The police command in Edo has detained eight suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a site engineer, Efe Ogbeide, during the leadership crisis in the Obazagbon community of Benin.

The command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, confirmed the development to journalists on Thursday.

Yamu identified Joshua Edo, the chairman of the community youths, as the prime suspect. Other suspects are Obayuwana Happy, Uhunwangho Everest, Chidera Umeh, Simon Benjamin, Odion Adagbonyin, Kennedy Ohro, and Osayi Adagbonyin.

Mr Yamu said the suspects were caught by operatives of the Iyekogba Division’s Operation Rescue and Anti-Kidnapping Unit at different locations.

According to him, the crisis stemmed from disputes over the positions of chairman and traditional leader (Okiaghele), resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, condemned the violence and vowed that all the culprits will face the full weight of the law.

“She assured residents that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding their lives and property.”

The killing of Mr Ogbeide sparked outrage among civil society groups.

The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities and the Edo State Civil Society Organisations staged a protest on Tuesday.

The groups, led by NAPVID executive director Melody Omosha, decried the brutal murder of the victim, who they described as a hardworking site engineer.

According to Ms Omosha, the deceased, who was deaf, may not have heard warnings before the attack.

The groups called for justice and better protection for persons with disabilities in the state.

(NAN)