The festive season in Oben community, Edo State, was shattered by an act of brutal violence that has left residents grappling with grief, anger, and unanswered questions. According to the Edo State Police Command, a house-warming celebration for a Europe-based returnee ended in his alleged murder at the hands of a childhood friend.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, provided a chilling timeline of events. The victim, Eghosa Osarietinomwan, had returned from Europe for the Christmas holidays and, on December 22, 2025, hosted family and friends at his residence. The occasion, meant to be a joyful homecoming, turned tragic when a guest, identified as Amadin William, allegedly lured Osarietinomwan to a nearby bush path. There, the suspect is accused of attacking the victim with a machete, inflicting deep cuts to the neck. Osarietinomwan was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead.
This incident highlights a darker, often underreported aspect of the annual diaspora homecoming phenomenon. While many returnees are celebrated, they can also become targets due to perceived wealth, underlying jealousies, or unresolved personal conflicts from the past. The alleged betrayal by a childhood friend adds a profound layer of psychological trauma for the family and community, challenging the very notion of trust and safety in familiar settings.
In the immediate aftermath, the suspect fled, but police tracked and arrested him in Benin City on December 27. However, the legal process was preceded by a violent act of communal retaliation. Enraged youths from the community allegedly set the suspect’s house ablaze. The police confirmed this arson attack and reported the arrest of two persons in connection with it.
This cycle of violence—from the initial alleged crime to the retaliatory arson—exposes critical fault lines in community justice and formal law enforcement. The mob action, while understandable as an expression of collective outrage, represents a breakdown of the rule of law and complicates the pursuit of justice. It creates a secondary crime scene and forces authorities to split focus between investigating a murder and addressing acts of public disorder.
ASP Ikoedem has assured the public that investigations into both the murder and the arson are ongoing, with a promise that all found culpable will be prosecuted. This case now stands as a grim, multifaceted test for the justice system: to fairly adjudicate a serious homicide allegation while also addressing the destructive community response it provoked. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of how quickly festive joy can unravel, leaving behind a legacy of loss and a community forever altered.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
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