The Edo State Police Command has confirmed that a violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in Gbelemotin, a farming community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, resulted in five deaths and left four others injured.
The conflict, which began on Thursday night, escalated by Friday morning when sympathizers of the initial victims launched a retaliatory attack.
According to reports, the violence stemmed from tensions between local cocoa farmers and a group believed to be involved in the theft of farm produce. Sources indicate that an Ikale farmer, concerned about ongoing poaching on his farm, had enlisted the help of vigilantes to protect his crops.
During their patrol, the vigilantes allegedly killed four suspected produce thieves, reportedly of Izon descent. In response, a group of Izon youths launched a counterattack the following morning, resulting in further casualties and property destruction, including the burning of several houses.
A resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed the scale of the violence. “The fight broke out in my area, and many were feared dead. Vigilantes hired by an Ikale farmer had killed four Izon boys two nights ago. Those boys were accused of stealing cocoa from farms in Kolombor (Gbelemotin). The following morning, there was a retaliation, leading to more deaths and destruction.”
The source also mentioned that security forces, including soldiers and police officers, arrived later on Friday and removed some bodies, although others were still believed to be in the surrounding bushes.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, verified the incident, stating, “Five people have been confirmed dead, and four others sustained injuries in the clash between the Gbelemotin and Maidoti communities. A joint security operation involving the army, vigilantes, and other agencies has been deployed, and the situation is now under control. An investigation into the cause of the conflict is underway.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further escalation.
