Police Arrest Three Over Murder of Vigilante Commander in Edo

Police Arrest Three Over Murder of Vigilante Commander in Edo

By Fly Cable News

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended three suspects in connection with the alleged killing of 50-year-old Victor Ogedengbe, the vigilante commander of Erah community in Owan East Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Ibrahim Agboje (King), Yakubu Abdulkareem, and Kareem Audu—all residents of Erah community.

According to Yamu, the incident was reported on February 25, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m. by the Chairman of Owan East LGA, who informed the Afuze Division that Ogedengbe had been attacked and killed on his farm, allegedly by suspected herdsmen. His body was later deposited at the hospital.

Following an immediate investigation, operatives from the Afuze Division arrested the three suspects and transferred them to the State Criminal Investigations Department for further inquiries.

Reports indicate that Ogedengbe, the Coordinator and Chairman of the Erah vigilante group, was ambushed while returning from his farm on February 24, 2025. He was riding a motorcycle when suspected Fulani herders, who had reportedly been terrorizing the community, attacked him.

A source, who requested anonymity, revealed that this was the third murder of its kind within a year.

“The first victim was Edekin Igharo, the former vigilante head, who was brutally killed with a machete in February last year. Victor, who was his deputy at the time, took over leadership and continued efforts to restore peace and security in Erah.

“Another person was killed in May last year by suspected Fulani herders. Victor was not only a vigilante leader but also a successful farmer,” the source added.