Violence Erupts In Edo As Armed Groups Clash Over Revenue Collection
Barely a day into Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure, violence erupted Wednesday on the streets of Benin City as two armed groups clashed at Ramat Park in a chaotic bid for dominance.
It was learnt that the groups were promised control during campaign period.
According to Goodluck Osaretin, a PDP member, the violence may be the consequence of campaign alliances that transformed local factions into power brokers.
Earlier today, Governor Okpebholo suspended all revenue collections in Edo, warning that defaulters would face arrest.
It was gathered that the aim was to restore order and halt the harassment of bus and taxi drivers by enforcers known locally as “Lions and Tigers.”
But, within hours of this directive, armed men engaged in a violent showdown at Ramat Park, a central transport hub.
Video footage showed gunshots ringing out in broad daylight, sending people fleeing in fear, even as nearby police —stationed close to high-security locations like banks and the INEC State office — struggled to intervene.
Osaretin said the violence was not a coincidence.
“There were most likely promises made,” he explained, “and now those same groups feel betrayed and threatened.” He further noted that certain youth factions within the APC, led by figures such as Kabaka, Ebo Stone, No More Loss, and Osarobo, were reportedly assured revenue collection contracts in exchange for their support.
“With the governor’s sudden suspension of these activities, and recent statements from friends of the new Governor calling for the death penalty for cultists, tensions have escalated, leaving many to question whether these groups are now asserting their claims by force.
“For Edo citizens, this eruption of violence has been a harsh reminder of unresolved issues within the new administration.”
Shopkeepers around Ramat Park quickly closed their stalls, fearing further unrest, as shotgun-wielding men turned a once-bustling hub into a conflict zone.
“We had hoped for better,” said one street vendor who witnessed the chaos, expressing concern about the future under Okpebholo’s leadership.
In his first days, Okpebholo could have prioritised re-establishing the rule of law and a clear separation from campaign-era allegiances. Instead, the state now faces a test of control. Barrister Enwanta’s recent call for the death penalty for cultists may appeal to a public eager for stability, but critics like Osaretin question the effectiveness of such measures in the absence of a coordinated response to the violence and unrest gripping the state.
Governor Okpebholo’s leadership faces an immediate challenge: reining in forces empowered by political promises and taking decisive steps to protect Edo citizens. Until he addresses these alliances with clear action, the streets of Benin will remain hostage to an armed chaos fueled by the very groups once courted for support
Source: Daily Independent
