Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
Truth Live News gathered that barely 24 hours into his tenure, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has found himself at the center of a public safety crisis as violent clashes erupted in Benin City following his decision to suspend all revenue collection across the state. Intended to curb harassment of motorists by unofficial collectors, the governor’s directive has sparked an unintended backlash, with two rival groups engaging in street violence at the bustling Ramat Park.
Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes, as armed individuals confronted each other while vendors hastily shut their stalls, transforming the commercial hub into a conflict zone. Footage from the melee shows civilians scrambling to safety amid rising fears of street-level violence and renewed gang control in Edo State.
The tension highlights the complex web of campaign promises and political allegiances that Governor Okpebholo now faces. According to Goodluck Osaretin, a prominent PDP member, campaign-era commitments have created factions vying for influence over revenue collection – influence that the governor’s sudden decision has put at risk. “The violent reaction reflects not only unmet expectations but also the emergence of ‘power brokers’ seeking control,” Osaretin noted, suggesting that factions previously promised revenue collection roles now feel betrayed by the administration’s shift.
This unfolding crisis raises questions about Edo State’s stability and its administration’s ability to separate governance from campaign-driven alliances. Osaretin warned that without clear boundaries, groups tied to these promises may continue to wield influence by force, leaving ordinary citizens caught in the fallout. His critique underscores a sentiment that Edo’s new administration must prioritize the rule of law over politically-fueled entitlements.
Amid escalating tension, Governor Okpebholo’s close associate, Barrister Enwanta, recently called for the death penalty for cult-related offenses – a move appealing to public demand for strong action but one that some argue falls short of addressing the root issues behind the current unrest.
With observers concerned about Edo’s immediate future, all eyes are on the governor’s next steps. As Osaretin puts it, “Governor Okpebholo’s administration faces a crucial test: restoring order and breaking the cycle of politically-entrenched violence. Until decisive measures are taken, Edo risks a return to the days when thugs controlled the streets and dictated public order through brute force.”
The governor’s response in the coming days will likely set the tone for how his administration plans to tackle the complex balance of power, security, and public accountability.