In the early hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, tragedy struck the Evbuotubu area of Benin City, Edo State, as 43-year-old fashion designer Lawrence Edobor was brutally murdered and beheaded by individuals suspected to be ritualists. Edobor was reportedly returning home from a burial ceremony he attended on Thursday evening when he was ambushed around 2:00 a.m. ​

Community Reaction

The gruesome nature of the crime has left the Evbuotubu community in shock and mourning. Residents describe Edobor as a well-known and respected fashion designer who owned a shop in the Eweka area of Evbuotubu. A resident, speaking under anonymity, recounted that Edobor had attended a funeral ceremony earlier that night and was ambushed by a group of individuals suspected to be ritualists while walking home around 2:00 a.m. The assailants attacked and killed him, severing his head from his body, and then fled the scene, leaving the headless body on the road.

Arrest and Investigation

In a swift response, operatives from the Evbuotubu Division, in collaboration with local vigilante members, intercepted and arrested one of the suspects, identified as 27-year-old Uwadiae Airebiuwa of Igbinudu Street, Evbuotubu Quarters. The arrest occurred around 3:00 a.m. on March 7, 2025, with Airebiuwa found in possession of a fresh human head contained in a polythene bag. Upon interrogation, the suspect led authorities to the decapitated body of Edobor near the Eweka Shopping Plaza. The deceased was later identified by a family member and his body was evacuated to the hospital for preservation. ​

Official Statement

Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident and the arrest, stating that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang. Yamu detailed that operatives of the Evbuotubu Division, alongside vigilante members, intercepted and arrested Airebiuwa, who was in possession of a fresh human head. The suspect subsequently led them to the decapitated body of Edobor along the road near Eweka Shopping Plaza. ​

Commissioner of Police’s Assurance

Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them, along with the general public, that the command would not rest until all individuals involved in the heinous crime are brought to justice. She further advised young persons to seek legitimate means of making money rather than venturing into crime. ​

Community Appeal

The Evbuotubu community, while grieving the loss of Edobor, is calling on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising tide of ritualistic killings and ensure the safety and security of residents. Community leaders are urging members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.​

Conclusion

The brutal killing of Lawrence Edobor has cast a pall over the Evbuotubu community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance. As investigations continue and efforts to apprehend all suspects intensify, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served swiftly, serving as a deterrent to such heinous acts in the future.