Security Team Deployed to Iyanomo Community to Restore Peace as Edo Police intensify efforts to end the leadership crisis and restore law and order.
The Security Team Deployed to Iyanomo Community to Restore Peace has begun operations as the Edo State Police Command intensifies efforts to end the renewed leadership crisis in Iyanomo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The crisis began on January 13, 2026. It reportedly stemmed from a dispute over who should become the Odionwere, the traditional head of the community.
The violence led to the destruction of properties worth millions of naira. Many residents also fled their homes because they feared for their safety.
In response, the Edo State Police Command deployed an intervention team to restore law and order. The team also carried out a show of force across the community to reassure residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, led the operation. She said the deployment followed several reports of violent attacks in the area.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, approved the deployment after reviewing the security situation. She explained that the officers would remain in the community until peace returns.
ASP Ikoedem urged displaced residents to return home. She assured them that security personnel would continue to protect lives and property.
She also said investigators had already started examining the incidents linked to the violence. Furthermore, she promised that anyone found responsible would face prosecution.
“We are here in Iyanomo Community to ensure peace. The security team will remain here until normalcy returns,” she said.
She added that the operation was not a temporary exercise. Instead, she described it as part of a long-term plan to restore lasting peace in the community.
Meanwhile, community elder Pa Robinson Izekor blamed the crisis on the dispute over the Odionwere position.
He explained that Felix Ediowe allegedly declined the position in 2021. As a result, the community appointed Wilfred Odegie, who later died.
Pa Izekor said he became the next person in line after Odegie’s death. However, he claimed Felix Ediowe later returned and expressed interest in the position. According to him, that decision triggered fresh tension in the community.
Another resident, Elder Fred Omo-Edigie, also spoke about the crisis. He accused Felix Ediowe and Osawonyi Ikorogie of contributing to the violence.
they alleged that armed men attacked residents and fired gunshots to create fear. He further claimed that the attacks forced many families to abandon their homes.
Elder Omo-Edigie also alleged that police arrested Osawonyi Ikorogie on June 25, 2026. He claimed officers recovered cartridges, firearms, vehicle number plates, hard drugs and other items during the operation.
The Edo State Police Command has not publicly confirmed all of those allegations. Investigations into the crisis are ongoing.
Residents welcomed the increased police presence. They expressed hope that the deployment would end the violence and allow normal life to resume.
They also thanked the Commissioner of Police, the Governor of Edo State, and the Oba of Benin for supporting efforts to restore peace.
The Security Team Deployed to Iyanomo Community to Restore Peace remains on the ground. Police say they will continue operations until the community is safe and calm once again.
