A man identified as Courage, popularly known as “Dogo,” has been killed in Eboh Quarters, Estate Gate, Irhirhi area of Oredo Local Government Area in Benin, Edo State, following a dispute over park ticket sales.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has raised fresh concerns about illegal ticketing activities and violence linked to revenue collection in parts of the state.
Benin, the capital of Edo State, has in recent years faced security challenges, including cult-related violence, kidnapping and clashes linked to transport unions and ticketing operations. The state government has repeatedly vowed to clamp down on illegal revenue collection and criminal activities.
Confirming the latest incident, the Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said the squad received a distress call at about 6:13 a.m. on Friday reporting a killing in Irhirhi community.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, Izegaegbe said operatives arrived at the scene and confirmed that the victim had been shot dead.
He stated that the governor immediately directed the special squad to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
According to Izegaegbe, preliminary findings showed that the incident was not related to cult violence, as earlier speculated by some residents, but was the result of a disagreement over ticketing activities at a motor park.
Izegaegbe explained that although the Edo State Government had banned certain ticketing operations in the state, the deceased was allegedly involved in illegal park ticketing. He was accused of failing to properly share the proceeds generated from the activity.
He said the disagreement over money reportedly led to a conspiracy, which resulted in the fatal attack on Courage.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 9mm Beretta pistol was used in the attack. Security operatives recovered cartridges at the scene, which are now part of the ongoing investigation.
“The reported killing of Courage, known as Dogo, in Irhirhi led to intensive operations during the weekend,” Izegaegbe said. “Following the incident, the Governor gave us a marching order to get to the root of the matter.”
“After the preliminary investigation on Friday, we carried out intensive operations on Saturday. We must stress that it is not a cult killing. Investigations are ongoing,” he added.
The killing reportedly triggered tension in parts of Benin metropolis. Sources said some individuals carried out a reprisal attack at Wire Road, targeting persons they mistakenly believed were responsible for the murder.
During the weekend operations, the security team combed different parts of the city in search of suspects and illegal weapons.
“We moved into town as early as 6 a.m. and combed the length and breadth of Benin metropolis,” Izegaegbe said. “For the first time, we recovered a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition inside a vehicle. All occupants fled, but we recovered the vehicle and the K2 magazine.”
The firearms were discovered in an abandoned vehicle in Irhirhi, off Airport Road. Authorities believe the recovery may help in tracking down those involved in the killing and other criminal activities.
Several suspects have already been arrested and are currently providing useful information that may lead to more arrests.
The Edo State Government has reassured residents that it remains committed to tackling crime, including illegal ticketing, cultism and kidnapping.
Izegaegbe said the Special Security Squad is fully determined to maintain law and order across the state. He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“We assure the public that the situation is under control. Decisive action will be taken against those found culpable,” he said.
The government has in recent months intensified its campaign against illegal revenue collection at motor parks and other public spaces. Officials say such activities often lead to clashes among rival groups and sometimes escalate into violence.
In a related development, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured residents that a police officer abducted alongside his daughter on February 8 would be rescued.
The Commissioner gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the state police command headquarters in Benin.
He said efforts were ongoing to ensure that both victims regain their freedom unharmed.
The police chief also disclosed that two other victims kidnapped in Makeke, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, on the same day would also be rescued.
Akoko Edo, which is located in the northern part of the state, has experienced cases of kidnapping in recent years due to its proximity to forested areas and interstate routes.
For residents of Irhirhi community, the focus remains on justice for Courage and preventing further violence.
Community leaders have appealed for calm and urged youths not to take the law into their own hands. They have also called on security agencies to ensure that those behind the killing are prosecuted.
As investigations continue, the state government has promised transparency and firm action. Residents hope that the swift response by the Special Security Squad and the police will help restore confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.