A man identified as Courage, popularly known as “Dogo,” has been killed at Eboh Quarters, Estate Gate, Irhirhi, in Oredo Local Government Area of Benin City, Edo State.
The incident was confirmed by the Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, on Sunday.
Izegaegbe said the Governor directed the Special Security Squad to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the killing are thoroughly investigated.
According to him, the squad received a distress call at about 6:13 a.m. on Friday reporting a killing in the community. Operatives who responded to the call confirmed that the victim had been killed on arrival.
Clarifying the incident, Izegaegbe stated that contrary to initial speculation, the killing was not cult-related but stemmed from a dispute linked to park ticketing activities.
He explained that 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, leading to a disagreement that reportedly resulted in a conspiracy and his eventual 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 for the incident. Several suspects have since been arrested and are providing information that may lead to further arrests.
“The reported killing of Courage, known as Dogo, in Irhirhi led to intensive operations during the weekend. Following the incident, the Governor gave us a marching order to get to the root of the matter,” John said.
“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.
During the operations, the security team also discovered firearms inside an abandoned vehicle in Irhirhi, off Airport Road.
“We moved into town as early as 6 a.m. and combed the length and breadth of Benin metropolis. 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,” John said.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to tackling cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, Izegaegbe assured residents that the Special Security Squad remains fully focused on maintaining law and order.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information, assuring that the situation is under control and that decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable.
