DEATH TOLL RISES TO SEVEN IN EDO FARMERS, SUSPECTED THIEVES CLASH. (PHOTO).

 Death Toll Rises to Seven in Edo Farmers, Suspected Thieves Clash

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed two additional deaths, bringing the toll to seven following a violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, stated on Sunday that six injured individuals were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, updating the initial report of five deaths and four injuries.

The violence erupted Thursday night and escalated on Friday morning when sympathizers of the initial victims launched a counterattack.

According to a local source, the conflict began after an Ikale cocoa farmer hired vigilantes to guard his farm, which had been repeatedly raided by suspected Izon youths. During a patrol, the vigilantes allegedly killed four suspects, triggering reprisal attacks the next morning.

“The retaliatory attack led to more casualties, with some houses set ablaze,” the source said. “Soldiers and security personnel later arrived, recovering bodies, but many corpses remain in the bushes.”

Police had initially confirmed five deaths, but Yamu later updated the figures, stating, “Security forces were deployed, and seven people were confirmed dead, while six others are receiving treatment. The situation has been brought under control, and investigations are ongoing.”

Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin has assured a thorough investigation and urged residents to seek peaceful resolutions instead of resorting to violence.