₦airaland Forum

*Violence Erupts in Edo as Armed Groups Clash Over Revenue Collection in Defiance of New Governor’s Order*

https://youtube.com/shorts/Uz-9ZGV0NZY?si=quYW_WqRbDiapoSD

Barely a day into his tenure, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo faces a crisis as violence erupts on the streets of Benin City. Two armed groups, reportedly promised control over revenue collection, clashed at Ramat Park in a chaotic bid for dominance—an outcome observers say reflects a storm of political promises and expectations. Goodluck Osaretin, a PDP member, suggests that this turbulence may be the consequence of campaign alliances that transformed local factions into power brokers, leaving citizens caught in the crossfire.

Earlier today, Governor Okpebholo suspended all revenue collections in Edo, warning that defaulters would face arrest. His stated 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 shows 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—failed to intervene.

According to Osaretin, this violence was no 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.

Many residents are disturbed by the fact that, in a state with a visible police presence, especially around critical economic and governmental sites, armed factions can still roam freely. Governor Okpebholo’s directive suspending revenue collection appears to have little impact on factions who may view the move as a betrayal. According to Osaretin, these groups interpret the governor’s pivot as a broken promise, and their reaction speaks to a need for clearer boundaries between governance and campaign-driven political patronage.

In his first days, Okpebholo could have prioritized 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

Lagos format

They will turn edo into agbero zone, stealing, killing and destroying everything just to be allowed to inflate transport costs and steal the money.

Jagaban legacy

Like 5 people have lost their lives already..... just today alone!

People that woke up good and healthy are no more all because of this nonsense.

Edolites, please stop all these killings,
This is supposed to be a new dawn in your state please 🙏.

God bless Edo State.

God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬

Damnnn niggar

Isoright

post=132863028:
Like 5 people have lost their lives already..... just today alone!

People that woke up good and healthy are no more all because of this nonsense.

Edolites, please stop all these killings,
This is supposed to be a new dawn in your state please 🙏.

God bless Edo State.

God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬

Damnnn niggar

What is wrong with you all
Why you just sit down in your state and come up with figures in another man's state

I'm in Benin city right now...here is where I live..my mum lives in aduwawa

Infact I drive my lexus pass ramat this afternoon and this evening

What is wrong with you all On this forum

Edo don enter

You cannot separate APC from thuggery and violence.

That party is what God finally used to curse this country

Armed group or armed robbers? 🤦🏿

post=132863028:
Almost

almost what? Spill it out as usual

This is what happens when u dine with the devil

Our fathers said " if a chicken goes to the house of the native doctors and comes back alive, if it doesn't lose its peak, it would lose its toe"

Promises made, promises dashed

Action and reaction

Police kukuma nor send

It is well.

APC

Government of the thugs by the thugs and for the thugs

In this present economy, you don't need to go to the gym.

Just take one a day.

You will be fine

Survival of the fittest

slaawomirr:
Damnnn niggar

Isoright
Damnnn niggar
I'm in Benin city right now...here is where I live..my mum lives in aduwawa
Infact I drive my lexus pass ramat this afternoon and this evening
What is wrong with you all On this forum

Sorry o,
Oga Legxus abi na Lexus
Nairalanders don know say u get Legxus now.
Me sef see you inside my Tesla cybertruck.
Ye ye dey smell

Their business

“We had hoped for better,” said one street vendor who witnessed the chaos, expressing concern about the future under Okpebholo’s leadership......The four years is still warming up to start.

StraightGaay:
You will know no peace until the end of your days

but she no be member of ur family now, wey no know peace in all of una miserable and hateful lives.
Dats y u r so bitter, empty tin

Hmmm

Edo don finally turn to Lagos. E remain Delta State their cousins. Tueh

The return of Tiger and lions.
We told them but their daftness and deafness wouldn't allow them see what's coming ahead.
Evil days looming.

The new governor is an agbero himself, what do you expect before?

Edo people and violence are like 5 and 6

Edo people will wish that Obaseki remained as the governor of the state. Them never see anything yet.

Before it was EDO NO BE LAGOS but now EDO IS OSHODI

PDP agents at work.

Where's the thug, where's the shotgun !!