Victim identified as Courage 'Dogo' allegedly shot with 9mm pistol in Irhirhi; reprisal attacks follow as Governor Okpebholo orders full investigation
A dispute over money from illegal park ticketing operations has turned deadly in Benin City, with a man identified as Courage—popularly known as "Dogo"—shot and killed in the Eboh Quarters area of Irhirhi, Oredo Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has triggered reprisal attacks and a massive security operation across Benin metropolis, according to officials from the Edo State Special Security Squad.
A Dispute Turns Deadly
John Izegaegbe, secretary of the special squad, confirmed the killing in a statement issued Sunday, clarifying that contrary to initial speculation, the death was not cult-related but stemmed from a financial disagreement over park ticketing activities.
The deceased, Izegaegbe explained, was allegedly involved in illegal ticketing operations despite a state government ban on certain ticketing practices. The dispute reportedly centered on the sharing of proceeds—and the victim's alleged failure to distribute appropriately.
"After the preliminary investigation on Friday, we carried out intensive operations on Saturday. We must stress that it is not a cult killing. Investigations are ongoing," Izegaegbe said.
Weapons Recovered
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 9mm Beretta pistol was used in the attack, with spent cartridges recovered at the scene. The killing triggered a violent reaction at Wire Road, where individuals mistakenly believed to be responsible became targets of reprisal attacks.
During weekend operations, security teams made a significant discovery: a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition was found inside an abandoned vehicle in Irhirhi, off Airport Road. All occupants had fled by the time operatives arrived, but the vehicle and magazine were seized.
"We moved into town as early as 6 a.m. and combed the length and breadth of Benin metropolis," Izegaegbe said. "For the first time, we recovered a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition inside a vehicle. All occupants fled, but we recovered the vehicle and the K2 magazine."
Governor's Directive
Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed the special squad to conduct a thorough investigation and get to the root of the matter. Several suspects have already been arrested and are providing information that may lead to additional detentions.
The secretary reaffirmed the state government's firm stance against cultism and kidnapping, assuring residents that the special squad remains fully committed to maintaining law and order. He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information.
Related Kidnapping Case
In a separate development, Edo State Police Commissioner Monday Agbonika assured residents that a police officer abducted alongside his daughter on February 8 would be rescued. Briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Benin on Friday, Agbonika confirmed that efforts are underway to ensure both victims regain their freedom unharmed.
He also noted that two other victims kidnapped in Makeke, Akoko Edo Local Government Area on the same day are also being pursued, though operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
For residents of Irhirhi, the killing of a man over what amounts to parking money serves as a grim reminder of how disputes over small sums can escalate into deadly violence—and how illegal economies, once established, police themselves with bullets.
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