A documented land transaction in Benin City has reportedly spiraled into a harrowing series of communal clashes, a targeted machete attack, and the kidnapping of a family, according to allegations made by local resident Mr. Christian Elebhose.

The conflict originated from a property purchase in the Amagba community initiated in November 2022. Mr. Elebhose stated that after an initial deposit of 2 million naira, he finalized the transaction with a 4-million-naira balance on December 19, 2022.

Despite the exchange of formal documentation, the purchase was soon challenged by members of the neighboring Ugba community, who asserted their own claims of ownership over the same parcel. Mr. Elebhose alleged that these individuals forcibly removed him from the property under the threat of death.

While representatives of the Amagba community initially offered assurances of a resolution, the jurisdictional friction between the two communities intensified.

On February 15, 2023, these tensions reportedly erupted into violent communal clashes fueled by allegations that Amagba leaders were selling land that fell within Ugba territory. Although these skirmishes were widely reported, the exact number of casualties remains unverified.

The situation turned personal for Mr. Elebhose on April 16, 2023. He alleged that while attempting to photograph the disputed site at approximately 6:30 p.m., he was set upon by a group of men armed with machetes, whom he identified as members of the Amagba community. After narrowly escaping the assault, he sought medical attention and filed a formal report with the police.

The violence reached a peak on June 13, 2023, when Mr. Elebhose’s wife and son were kidnapped at approximately 4:21 p.m. The victims were allegedly held captive for five days. While the captors initially demanded a 15-million-naira ransom, Mr. Elebhose stated that they were eventually released following a payment of 5 million naira.

As of this report, the Edo State Police Command has not provided official confirmation of these events, and representatives from both the Amagba and Ugba communities have remained unavailable for comment.

Authorities are yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific allegations as of the time of filing this report.