Death Toll Rises to Seven in Edo Cocoa Farmers’ Clash

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed that two more people have died following the violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, bringing the total death toll to seven.

In an update on Sunday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, revealed that six injured individuals were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. This revised the initial casualty count of five deaths and four injuries reported on Saturday.

How the Violence Started

The conflict erupted on Thursday night when an Ikale cocoa farmer, tired of repeated thefts on his farm, enlisted vigilantes for protection. During their patrol, the vigilantes reportedly shot and killed four suspected thieves, believed to be Izon youths.

This incident triggered a brutal retaliation on Friday morning, as suspected Izon youths launched reprisal attacks, leading to more casualties and widespread destruction.

A local resident, speaking anonymously, described the chaos:  

"There was heavy fighting in my area on Friday, and many people were feared dead. The vigilantes hired by an Ikale man, Igbala, killed four Izon boys two nights ago. They were allegedly stealing cocoa. In response, more lives were lost, and several houses were set on fire. The exact number of casualties remains unknown."

He added that while security forces recovered some bodies, many corpses were still scattered in the bushes. The stolen cocoa reportedly belonged to Yoruba farmers in Madotti Camp, who also suffered losses.

Police Response and Investigation

Security forces, including the Nigerian Army, were deployed to the area on Friday to restore order. By Saturday, the police had confirmed five deaths, but in a fresh statement on Sunday, Yamu updated the figures:  

"On February 21, 2025, at about 10:00hrs, we received a distress call about an ongoing clash between the Gbelemotin and Madotti communities in Ovia South-West LGA. Operatives from the Iguobazuwa Police Division, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and vigilantes, were deployed to the area. Seven persons have now been confirmed dead, while six others are receiving treatment. The situation has been brought under control, and investigations into the cause of the conflict are ongoing."

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has vowed a thorough investigation into the crisis. She urged residents to seek peaceful resolutions through legal channels instead of resorting to violence.  

The security forces remain on high alert in the affected communities to prevent further escalation.