Security authorities in Benin City have begun investigations into the killing of a man identified simply as Courage, also known as “Dogo,” following a dispute linked to park ticket revenue.
The incident occurred at Eboh Quarters, Estate Gate, Irhirhi area of Oredo Local Government Area in Edo State.
The Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that Governor Monday Okpebholo had directed operatives to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.
According to him, security personnel received a distress call early Friday morning reporting a violent incident in the community.
“On arrival, our operatives confirmed that the victim had been killed,” he said.
“Preliminary findings show the incident was not cult-related as initially speculated but stemmed from disagreements over ticketing activities.”
Izegaegbe explained that the deceased was allegedly involved in ticketing operations that had been banned by the state government and was accused of failing to properly share proceeds from the activity.
“The disagreement reportedly led to a conspiracy which resulted in his death,” he added.
Investigators said a 9mm Beretta pistol was used in the attack, with spent cartridges recovered from the scene.
The killing reportedly sparked tension in parts of the city, including a reprisal incident on Wire Road by persons who mistakenly believed some individuals were responsible.
Security operatives said several suspects have since been arrested and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
“We carried out intensive operations across Benin metropolis over the weekend,” Izegaegbe said.
“We must emphasise that this is not a cult killing, and investigations are still ongoing to bring all those involved to justice.”
During the operations, the squad also recovered firearms-related items from an abandoned vehicle in Irhirhi, off Airport Road.
“For the first time, we recovered a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition inside a vehicle whose occupants fled,” he said. “The vehicle has been secured and further investigations are underway.”
Authorities reassured residents that the government remains committed to tackling violent crime, cultism and illegal activities, urging members of the public to provide timely information to security agencies.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force in Edo State said efforts were ongoing to rescue a police officer and his daughter abducted earlier this month, as well as two other victims kidnapped in Akoko Edo.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured journalists that security agencies were working to secure their safe release.
