The Edo State Police Command has arrested at least seven suspects in connection with an attack on police personnel during a communal clash in the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 7, 2026, amid a crisis between the Ogbeson and Iguoshodin communities.

The conflict was said to have begun while the Ogbeson community was celebrating the commissioning of an Oguedion, an elder council hall.

According to reports, the Ogbeson community alleged that the gunfire was coordinated in collaboration with members of the Iguoshodin community and some police officers.

During the confrontation, several individuals, including police officers, sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured officers were subsequently taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, explained that the Ogbeson and Iguoshodin communities have had a long-standing communal dispute.

She stated that, in an effort to address the situation, members of the Iguoshodin community had earlier submitted a petition to the police requesting intervention.

“Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team, accompanied by some members of the Iguoshodin community, visited Ogbeson on Saturday to invite certain community elders for questioning in a bid to resolve the dispute,” she said.

“However, on sighting the operatives, some hoodlums within the Ogbeson community allegedly opened sporadic fire on the officers.

“Two police officers are currently receiving treatment at a police medical facility following injuries sustained during the attack.”

Ikoedem added that seven suspects, including the alleged ringleader identified as Sunday Omonigo, have been arrested.

She further revealed that a pump-action gun, a battle axe allegedly used during the attack, and several cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has warned community leaders against engaging in communal violence, stressing that the command remains committed to apprehending all individuals involved in the incident.