Police arrest three over alleged killing, burning of houses over girlfriend in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a young man and the burning of four houses in the state.

Recall that the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident to journalists in Benin City on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Ikoedem stated that four houses were set ablaze by some youths following the incident, not seven as had been reported.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Ogute-Ke, a community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the incident stemmed from an alleged misunderstanding over a girlfriend.

According to the source, the incident occurred shortly after the community celebrated its Olimi Festival. Several other persons were also said to have fled the community to avoid arrest.

“Trouble started in the community during a party held to celebrate the burial of a popular chief in the locality. At the party, one of the young men became angry that another man was dancing with the girl he had brought to the event.

“The aggrieved individual allegedly used a cutlass to inflict an injury on the other man’s neck. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

“When news of his death reached youths in his area, they mobilised, armed themselves with dangerous weapons, and went to the suspect’s house, but he had already fled,” the source said.

The source added that the youths found the area deserted and, in anger, launched a reprisal attack, setting several houses ablaze before fleeing the scene.