By Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Police Command has deployed security personnel to Iyanomo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area to restore peace following renewed violence linked to a protracted leadership dispute.

The crisis, which centres on the succession to the position of Odionwere (traditional village head), reportedly erupted on January 13, 2026, leading to the destruction of property worth millions of naira and forcing many residents to flee the community.

As part of efforts to restore normalcy, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, led the deployed security team on a show-of-force patrol across the community.

Speaking with journalists, Ikoedem said the deployment followed reports of violent attacks in the area and was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika.

She said the security team would remain in the community until lasting peace is restored, adding that it is working alongside investigators already probing the violence.

“We are here in Iyanomo Community to ensure peace, and our personnel will remain until normalcy is fully restored. This is not a temporary show of force but a deliberate effort to restore lasting peace. Those responsible for the violence will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.

The police spokesperson urged residents who fled the community to return, assuring them that adequate security measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.

Speaking on the root of the dispute, Pa Robinson Izekor, who described himself as the second-in-command to the late Odionwere, said the crisis stemmed from disagreements over the succession to the traditional leadership of the community.

According to him, one Felix Ediowe allegedly declined the position of Odionwere in 2021, prompting the community to appoint Wilfred Odegie, who has since died.

Izekor maintained that following Odegie’s death, he became the rightful successor based on the community’s traditional order but alleged that Ediowe later returned to lay claim to the position, triggering the dispute.

Another resident, Elder Fred Omo-Edigie, alleged that the crisis escalated after armed youths invaded the community, causing panic among residents.

He further alleged that one Osawonyi Ikorogie was involved in cult-related activities and accused him of mobilising armed men to terrorise the community. The allegations have not been independently verified by the police or a court of law.

Omo-Edigie also claimed that the police arrested Ikorogie on June 25, 2026, during an operation in which firearms, cartridges, vehicle number plates, suspected hard drugs and other items were recovered.

He commended the Commissioner of Police, Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin for their interventions and appealed to the authorities to ensure lasting peace and bring those responsible for the violence to justice.

Police investigations into the crisis are ongoing.