The quiet community of Evbuotubu in Benin City, Nigeria, was jolted awake in the pre-dawn hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, by a gruesome discovery: the headless body of Lawrence Edobor, a 43-year-old fashion designer, lay abandoned on the road near Eweka Shopping Plaza. The horrific scene bore the chilling hallmarks of a ritualistic killing, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and raising concerns about the resurgence of such practices. Edobor, a well-known figure in the community with a shop in Eweka, was reportedly returning home from a burial around 2:00 am when he was ambushed, murdered, and decapitated. The brutality of the crime left residents reeling in disbelief and fear.
Preliminary investigations suggested that Edobor was targeted by a group of individuals suspected to be ritualists. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers, having severed Edobor’s head, fled the scene. However, their escape was short-lived. A vigilant patrol team comprising members of the Edo State Security Corps intercepted them, leading to the apprehension of one suspect found in possession of the victim’s head. The quick response of the security personnel was crucial in preventing the perpetrators from completely escaping justice and provided a vital lead in the ongoing investigation.
The arrested suspect, identified as 27-year-old Uwadiae Airebiuwa of Igbinudu Street, Evbuotubu Quarters, was found with Edobor’s head encased in a polythene bag. Upon interrogation, Airebiuwa led the authorities to the location of the decapitated body, corroborating eyewitness accounts of the crime. While Airebiuwa’s capture marked a significant breakthrough in the case, the other suspects involved in the heinous act managed to escape, prompting an immediate manhunt by law enforcement agencies. The Edo State Police Command launched a thorough investigation to track down the remaining culprits and bring them to justice.
The Edo State Police Command, in a statement released by its spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident and the arrest of Airebiuwa. The statement detailed the timeline of events leading to the arrest, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Evbuotubu Division and vigilante members in apprehending the suspect. Yamu assured the public that the police were working diligently to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to book. The statement emphasized the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of the community.
The Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, expressed her condolences to the bereaved family of Lawrence Edobor and assured them, as well as the general public, that the police would relentlessly pursue the case until all those involved were arrested and prosecuted. The Commissioner’s statement underscored the gravity of the crime and the determination of the police to combat such acts of violence. Beyond the immediate investigation, the Commissioner also addressed the broader societal issue of ritual killings, stressing the need for young people to pursue legitimate means of livelihood rather than resorting to criminal activities, often driven by misguided beliefs and the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth.
The tragic killing of Lawrence Edobor brought into sharp focus the persistent problem of ritual killings in Nigeria. While such incidents are often shrouded in secrecy and driven by superstitious beliefs, the case highlighted the need for continued vigilance and community engagement in combating these heinous crimes. Beyond the immediate need for justice for Edobor, the incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to such acts of violence. The Commissioner’s call for youth to seek legitimate means of income underscored the need for broader societal efforts to create opportunities and discourage criminal activities, particularly those driven by desperation and harmful traditional beliefs. The incident also emphasized the vital role of community policing and the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities in maintaining peace and security.
