The Palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo has condemned the violence that erupted on Saturday following the Olimi Festival in the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Benin by the palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emameh Gabriel, the palace alleged that one person lost his life during the violence, while several others sustained injuries.

Gabriel said the palace demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and justice for the victims.

According to the statement, the Okuokpellagbe-in-Council, under His Royal Highness Michael Sado, described the loss as deeply painful and unacceptable.

It extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The statement said the palace had, prior to the festival, put measures in place to prevent violence and issued directives banning firearms, battle axes and cutlasses during the event.

It noted that despite the precautionary measures, violence still erupted after the festival, resulting in the loss of a life.

The statement urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.

It also urged residents of Okpella, particularly youths and community groups, to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies conduct their investigation.

The palace further called on the public to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to facilitate the arrest of those responsible.

“Let us work together to purge our community of violent groups, criminal activities and the sponsorship of armed thuggery,” the statement said.

The statement expressed confidence that the police would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable faced the full weight of the law.