Security Officer, Two Others Killed in Edo Violence as Police Arrest 15 Suspects

An officer of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Martins Enahoro, and two other persons have been confirmed dead following violent attacks in Sobe and Ewatto communities in Edo State on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, *
CSP Eno Ikoedem.

According to the police, 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents, while several others injured in the violence are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the state.

—Attack In Sobe: ESSC Officer Killed, Guns Carted Away—

The police said trouble started at about 10:00hrs when one Ojo Gabriel of Atoruru Village reported a case of assault and malicious damage at the Sobe Division.

He alleged that youths had damaged the window glasses of his residence and vehicles.

Police detectives and operatives of the Edo State Security Corps were immediately deployed to the scene.

“However, upon sighting the security personnel, the youths attacked them, damaging the side glass of the police patrol vehicle and assaulting members of the Edo State Security Corps,” the statement said.

During the confrontation, two locally-made single-barrel guns belonging to the security personnel were carted away.

Three ESSC personnel — Tunde Ali, Izedu Monday, and Charles Ighororo — sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

Edo State Security Corps officer Martins Enahoro was also attacked during the incident and later confirmed dead.

The police added that three unidentified youths sustained pellet injuries during the clash. One of them later died while receiving treatment at David and Stella Hospital, Sabongida-Ora.

His remains have been deposited at Heavenly Home Mortuary, Sabongida-Ora. Efforts are ongoing to establish his identity and notify his family.

—Second Incident In Ewatto—

While details of the second incident in Ewatto were not fully disclosed in the police statement, the Command said it was also linked to attacks on persons and security operatives.

—Police Response—

The Edo State Police Command said it has intensified investigations and manhunt for other fleeing suspects involved in both attacks.

It also confirmed that 15 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the violence.

The Command urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could aid investigations, while assuring that those responsible would be prosecuted.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incidents and directed increased patrols in Sobe, Ewatto and other flashpoints to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.

Authorities have appealed to communities to desist from taking the law into their hands and to channel grievances through appropriate channels.