Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
BENIN CITY, Edo State — Police in Edo have apprehended a man accused of murdering his childhood friend who had travelled from abroad to spend the festive season with family and friends, in a shocking incident that has left residents of a local community reeling with grief and disbelief.
The tragic event unfolded on December 27, 2025, in Oben Village, a community in Edo State, where the victim — identified simply as Didi — had returned from overseas for a Christmas homecoming celebration. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary details circulating within the community, the victim was last seen in the company of a long-time friend before he was allegedly lured into a nearby bush and fatally attacked.
The suspect, Amadin William, also known locally by the nickname “Old Soldier,” fled the scene following the alleged killing but was later tracked down and arrested by police in Benin City, where he had reportedly gone into hiding. Authorities confirmed that William is currently in custody as investigations continue, with detectives working to establish the motive and circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.
Community members expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic end to what was meant to be a joyful reunion. Many in Oben Village said they knew both the victim and the alleged perpetrator from childhood and could scarcely believe a festive homecoming could culminate in such violence. Local leaders and residents conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and called for justice to be served through due legal process.
Police sources stated that the Edo State Police Command has taken charge of the case and will ensure that a thorough forensic and investigative process is carried out. The command is expected to release additional details, including possible charges, once preliminary findings are concluded. Security officials have emphasised that the suspect will be presented in court in line with legal procedures as the probe progresses.
The incident has sparked broader community discussions around safety and the need for vigilance even in moments of celebration. Residents highlighted anxieties over interpersonal disputes and urged neighbours to seek peaceful resolution and mediation channels in the event of disagreements. While specifics about the motive remain unconfirmed, social commentators note that cases involving close acquaintances turning violent often underline deeper personal or unresolved issues that authorities must unravel through careful investigative work.
Edo State, like many parts of southern Nigeria, has witnessed various forms of violent crime in recent years, from cult-related clashes to domestic disputes. However, the killing of a returning diaspora resident by a friend has resonated widely, prompting impassioned appeals for calm and restraint while the police bring clarity to the case.
The victim’s family, while yet to issue a formal public statement, is understood to be mourning and seeking legal justice as the investigation advances. Police have called on anyone with additional information about the circumstances of the killing to come forward and assist with the ongoing inquiry.
As the situation evolves, Edo State law enforcement and community stakeholders will be monitoring the case closely, with hopes that a transparent investigation and judicial process will provide answers and closure for the victim’s loved ones.
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