A man identified as Courage, popularly known as “Dogo,” has been reportedly killed at Eboh Quarters, Estate Gate, Irhirhi in Oredo Local Government Area of Benin, Edo State.
The Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele. He said the governor had directed the special squad to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.
According to Izegaegbe, the squad received a distress call at about 6:13 a.m. on Friday reporting a killing in the community. On arrival, operatives confirmed that the victim had been shot dead.
He clarified that contrary to initial speculation, the incident was not cult-related but stemmed from a dispute over park ticketing activities. Although the Edo State Government had banned certain ticketing operations, the deceased was allegedly involved in illegal ticketing and was accused of failing to properly share proceeds. The disagreement reportedly led to a conspiracy that resulted in his death.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 9mm Beretta pistol was used in the attack, with cartridges recovered at the scene. The killing also reportedly triggered a reprisal attack at Wire Road by individuals who mistakenly believed certain persons were responsible.
Izegaegbe said several suspects had been arrested and were providing useful information that could lead to further arrests.
He disclosed that intensive operations were carried out over the weekend following a directive from the governor to get to the root of the matter. During the operations, security operatives discovered firearms in an abandoned vehicle in Irhirhi, off Airport Road.
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According to him, a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition was recovered from the vehicle after its occupants fled. The vehicle was subsequently impounded. Investigations are ongoing.
Reaffirming the state government’s stance against cultism and kidnapping, Izegaegbe assured residents that the Special Security Squad remains committed to maintaining law and order. He urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that decisive action would be taken against those found culpable.
In a related development, the Edo State Police Command has assured residents that a police officer abducted alongside his daughter on February 8 would be rescued.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Benin on Friday, noting that efforts were underway to secure the safe release of both victims.
He added that two other victims kidnapped in Makeke, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, on the same day would also be rescued, although he declined to disclose operational details.