Police detain eight over death of site engineer

The Edo Police Command has detained eight suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a site engineer with hearing impairment, Efe Ogbeide, during the leadership crisis in Obazagbon Community of Benin.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the command’s Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed this on Thursday, adding that the prime suspect has been as identified as the Chairman of the community youths, Joshua Edo.

Other suspects, according to him, were Obayuwana Happy, Uhunwangho Everest, Chidera Umeh, Simon Benjamin, Odion Adagbonyin, Kennedy Ohro, and Osayi Adagbonyin.

Yamu said the suspects were caught by operatives of the Iyekogba Division’s Operation Rescue and Anti-Kidnapping Unit at different locations.

According to him, the crisis stemmed from disputes over the positions of Chairman and traditional leader, Okiaghele, resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, condemned the violence and vowed that all the culprits will face the full weight of the law.

“She assured residents that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding their lives and property,” he said.

The killing of Ogbeide reportedly sparked outrage among civil society groups in the state.