The Edo State Police Command has confirmed that the death toll in the violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in Ovia South-West Local Government Area has risen to seven.
In a statement released on Sunday, police spokesperson Moses Yamu said six additional victims were receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital, revising an earlier casualty figure of five dead and four injured.
How the Edo State Cocoa Farm Clash Began
The violence erupted late Thursday and escalated into a full-blown confrontation by Friday morning when sympathizers of the initial victims launched a counterattack.
A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the crisis began when an Ikale cocoa farmer hired vigilantes to guard his farmland, which had been frequently targeted by suspected Izon youths.
The vigilantes reportedly shot and killed four individuals they believed to be raiders. In response, suspected Izon youths launched a reprisal attack early Friday, igniting further violence.
“There was fighting in my area on Friday, and many are feared dead,” the source said. “Vigilantes hired by an Ikale man, Igbala, killed four Izon boys two nights ago.”
He added, “The retaliatory attack resulted in more casualties, with some houses set ablaze. The exact number of those killed remains unknown.”
According to the source, the stolen cocoa belonged to Yoruba farmers in Madotti Camp, who may have also suffered collateral losses.
Security Forces Respond to Edo State Cocoa Farm Clash
On Saturday, police initially confirmed five deaths and four injuries, stating that law enforcement had restored order. However, in a fresh statement on Sunday, Yamu provided updated figures.
“On February 21, 2025, at about 10:00 hrs, the command received a distress call about an ongoing clash between the Gbelemotin and Madotti communities in Ovia South-West LGA,” he said.
“The Iguobazuwa Police Division, along with the Nigerian Army and vigilantes, swiftly deployed operatives to the area. The team evacuated several casualties to the hospital, confirming seven dead while six others receive treatment. The joint operation continues, and authorities have brought the situation under control.”
Investigation Underway Amid Calls for Peace
Edo State Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin has ordered a full-scale investigation into the conflict, urging residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
She called on affected communities to seek legal and official channels to resolve disputes rather than resorting to violence.
As security forces remain on high alert, authorities continue to assess the extent of damage caused by the clashes, including the destruction of property and loss of livelihoods.
This incident underscores the growing tension between farmers and local groups over agricultural resources, raising concerns about security in rural communities across Nigeria.