BENIN CITY – The lingering intra communal crisis in Okhuoromi Community , Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has led to the killings of the two factional Chairmen of the Community, Pa Richard Ediae and Pa. Oziegbe Okunbor, as the trio of Jude Okundiaye, Bright Amadin and Efe Nosa were said to be battling with lives in an undisclosed hospital in Benin City, the state capital.
Investigation by our Crime Correspondent revealed that on January 10, 2013, gunmen numbering about ten suspected to be hired by Pa . Idugbor allegedly stormed the residence of Pa. Ediae to demand amongst others his stepping down as the Chairman of Okhuoromi especially having spent 15 years in the position.
It was scooped that Pa. Idugbor who was sometime last year appointed as the new Community Chairman by the people and his alleged hired gunmen had altercations with Ediae which led to sporadic shootings as Pa Richard Ediae was killed in the process.
According to an eyewitness, Pa . Ediae’s only son, Ogbe Ediae who was at the scene on learning that his father had been killed by the hoodlums angrily hit Pa. Iziegbe Idugbor’s head with wood, this according to the source led to the death of Iziegbe three days after.
Our source revealed further that the death of Idugbor has angered his family members and friends vowed to wipe out Pa. Ediae and his entire family members especially Ogbe Ediae, who is now on the run for safety for possessing valuable document partaining to the administration of the community, just as well as been a star witness to the murder of Pa. Ediae.
When the Nigerian Observer visited the residence of Ediae, broken windows, blood stains and destroyed doors rit with bullets holes amongst others were visibly seen.
” Vital documents as well as detail information of the community are lin possession of the late Pa . Okunbor, alleging that to be the reason for the incessant attacks and killings ” , another source informed .
Reacting, the Edo State Police Command while confirming the incident said the police have declared the fleeing Ogbe Ediae wanted either dead or alive.
This was disclosed by the State Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO ) , DSP ABIODUN Osifo said that he has placed ten Million Naira reward for anybody who could give useful information to the police that would lead to the arrest of Ogbe Ediae.
It was reliably gathered that the deceased Pa. iziegbe Idugbor is a relationship in the Edo State Governor, hence the state Government is interested in prosecuting Ogbe Ediae.
Meanwhile, as at the time of going to the press, the whereabouts of Ogbe Ediae remain unknown.
