Authorities Launch Show Of Force As Residents Urged To Return While Investigation Into Violence Continues
The Edo State Police Command has deployed a special security intervention team to Iyanomo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area to restore peace and maintain law and order following renewed violence linked to a prolonged leadership dispute in the community.
The deployment follows months of tension over the succession to the position of Odionwere (the community’s traditional head), a dispute that reportedly escalated into violent clashes, destruction of property worth millions of naira and the displacement of several residents.
The leadership crisis reportedly began on January 13, 2026, leaving many residents fleeing their homes over fears for their safety.
As part of efforts to restore confidence and reassure residents, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, led the deployed security personnel on a show of force across strategic locations within the community.
Speaking during the operation, ASP Ikoedem said the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, ordered the deployment following reports of violent attacks and threats to public safety in the area.
She assured residents that the police would maintain a continuous security presence until lasting peace is restored.
«”We are here in Iyanomo Community to ensure peace, and the security personnel will remain here until normalcy is fully restored. This deployment is not just a routine show of force but a deliberate effort to restore lasting peace and protect lives and property,” she said.»
According to the police spokesperson, the intervention team is working alongside investigators already handling the case, with efforts focused on identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the violence.
She appealed to residents who fled the community because of the crisis to return to their homes, assuring them that adequate security measures have been put in place.
Speaking on the origin of the dispute, Pa Robinson Izekor, who identified himself as the second-in-command to the late Odionwere, said the crisis centres on the succession to the traditional leadership of the community.
According to him, Felix Ediowe allegedly declined to assume the position of Odionwere in 2021, after which another elder, Wilfred Odegie, was installed. Following Odegie’s death, Izekor said he became the rightful successor based on the community’s traditional hierarchy but claimed Ediowe later returned to lay claim to the position, triggering the current crisis.
Another resident, Elder Fred Omo-Edigie, alleged that Felix Ediowe and Osawonyi Ikorogie were responsible for escalating the conflict by allegedly mobilising armed youths to attack residents and create panic within the community.
He further alleged that Osawonyi Ikorogie was involved in cult-related activities, claims which have not been independently verified by IBN News.
According to the resident, police investigations led to the arrest of Osawonyi on June 25, 2026, during which firearms, cartridges, vehicle number plates, suspected hard drugs and other items were reportedly recovered.
Residents commended the Edo State Police Command, Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin for their efforts to restore peace and appealed for a lasting resolution to the crisis.
The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that investigations will continue and that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
