BY IDAHOSA MUSA
Two people have been confirmed dead in Iyanomo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, following an alleged leadership tussle in the area.
The victims, identified as Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo, were reportedly murdered last week by members of one of the warring factions.
In recent times, Iyanomo has been engulfed in a crisis over the appointment of a new Odionwere (village head), a dispute that has triggered repeated clashes between rival factions.
Following the killings, the Edo State Government launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The probe is being handled by the state’s Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” in collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.
At the weekend, the team, led by the Government House Chief Security Officer, CSP Osaro Roberts, and the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Okoh Saturday, visited the troubled community to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Enomwa and Imaghodo.
Addressing residents, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaebe, condemned the killings and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes across the state.
“Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and claimed the lives of two men. This is unacceptable. The Governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law,” he said.
Izegaebe stressed that community disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence, adding: “Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for crime, and anyone who foments unrest in Edo communities will face the full wrath of the law.”
Residents of Iyanomo, who welcomed the security team with relief, expressed gratitude to the Governor and security agencies for their swift intervention.
They appealed for sustained government presence in the community to forestall further bloodshed and ensure lasting peace.
On behalf of the state government, Izegaebe condoled with the families of the victims and assured them of a thorough, impartial, and far-reaching investigation, with a commitment that the perpetrators would be brought to book, no matter how highly placed.
