Tension has gripped residents of Benin City, Edo State, following an alarming claim made by social media user and influencer Shaddy, who alleged that another young man has lost his life at the hands of a suspected aboki (a term commonly used in Nigeria to refer to Hausa traders or bike riders from the northern region).
In a viral post shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, Shaddy expressed outrage over what he described as a growing pattern of youth killings allegedly involving some northern traders in the state capital. His statement has sparked widespread reactions, reigniting public debate about safety, ethnic tension, and law enforcement in Benin.
The Viral Post That Sparked Reactions
In his emotional post, Shaddy wrote:
“Another youth has gone down in the hands of aboki. I don’t understand the way aboki are killing youths in Benin.”
The post, which quickly gathered thousands of reactions, was accompanied by comments from locals lamenting similar experiences. Many users claimed that violent confrontations involving aboki motorcyclists and young men in Benin have become increasingly frequent, especially in areas like Upper Sakponba, New Benin, and Ekenwan Road.
While the details surrounding the latest incident remain sketchy, Shaddy’s outcry has triggered calls for authorities to investigate the matter and restore confidence in the safety of residents.
Eyewitness Accounts and Local Concerns
Several residents who commented on the post said the reported attack occurred late at night, following an argument between a youth and a commercial motorcyclist. Some claimed the dispute turned violent after a disagreement over transport fare, resulting in the tragic death of the victim.
A local trader, who pleaded anonymity, said:
“This is not the first time. Every month we hear one case or another involving bike men. Government should act before things get out of hand.”
Another resident expressed frustration with what they described as “a rising culture of impunity”, urging the Edo State Government and security agencies to take stronger action.
“We can’t continue to live in fear in our own city. It’s either the police take control or the youths will lose patience one day,” the commenter said.
Police Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of the time of this report, the Edo State Police Command has not released an official statement confirming the incident or identifying the individuals involved. However, security sources suggest that investigations may already be underway to verify the claims and ensure justice for the victim.
A senior police officer, when contacted unofficially, said:
“We are aware of online reports, but we are verifying the facts. People should avoid spreading unconfirmed stories that could inflame ethnic tensions.”
The officer urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Community Leaders Call for Calm
Reacting to the growing tension, community leaders in Benin have appealed for restraint, warning against retaliation or ethnic profiling.
Chief Osahon Igbinovia, a community head in Upper Sakponba, condemned the violence but stressed that such incidents should not be used to label all northern residents as violent.
He said:
“We must separate crime from ethnicity. A criminal act is a criminal act, no matter where the person comes from. What we want is justice, not revenge.”
A Broader Problem of Security and Unemployment
Security analysts note that the alleged killing highlights a larger issue of urban insecurity, youth unemployment, and lack of regulatory control over commercial transport operators in Edo State. Many commercial bike riders operate without identification, making it difficult to trace offenders after violent incidents.
Experts have called for stricter enforcement of urban transport regulations, the introduction of identification tags for riders, and improved street surveillance in high-risk areas.
Social Media Reaction: Fear, Anger, and Calls for Justice
The post has become one of the most discussed topics in Edo social media spaces. Hashtags like #JusticeForBeninYouth and #StopTheKillings began trending locally as users demanded that the state government intervene.
One user wrote:
“Every week we hear the same story. Someone’s brother or friend is gone. When will this stop?”
Another added:
“Benin used to be peaceful. Now you can’t even take a bike without fear. Authorities must act now.”
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