The Edo State Police Command, youths of Ogbeson Community, and leaders in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have traded accusations over a violent incident on Saturday that left several police officers hospitalised and a number of community youths injured.
The confrontation reportedly began when police officers arrived in the community while youths and elders were gathered at the Oguedion (Elders Council) for a celebration. The officers were alleged to have come to the venue alongside youths from Iguoshodin Community, which Ogbeson residents regard as a rival community, leading to a fracas.
During the clash, several youths sustained varying degrees of injuries, while some police officers were also hospitalised.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said officers had been deployed to the area to investigate a petition and lingering communal disputes when they came under attack from youths in the community.
Ikoedem explained that the officers were attempting to invite community leaders for questioning when the situation escalated.
“Some officers were detailed to investigate the communal crisis. They went to invite leaders of the community who were in the town hall. When they saw our men, they didn’t care to listen to them.
“The policemen tried to state their mission but the youths did not listen. However, our men were able to arrest seven of them and recover some arms,” she said.
However, youths and elders of Ogbeson Community denied the allegation that they attacked the police.
A community youth, Best Ugbosisi, claimed the security operatives arrived in the community with vigilantes and members of Iguoshodin Community, with whom they have been involved in a dispute over autonomy.
He said he narrowly escaped being shot during the incident.
“I got a call that policemen, vigilantes and members of Iguoshodin Community invaded our Oguedion where we were celebrating.
“They opened fire on our youths and elders. Those that were later arrested had gunshot injuries. We didn’t shoot at the policemen. We have been having issues with Iguoshodin and they are saying we are under them,” he said.
The dispute between the two neighbouring communities is linked to disagreements over autonomous status and local authority, a situation that has generated tension in the area.
