Three Arrested Over Murder of Furniture Maker in Edo State: Gang Attack Sparks Family’s Call for Justice
A tragic murder in Edo State, Nigeria, has left a family grieving and demanding swift justice after a 41-year-old furniture maker was beaten to death by a gang of suspected hoodlums. On September 6, 2025, Mr. Aruna Imuekheme was attacked at his workshop in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects by the Edo State Police Command. The incident, stemming from a long-standing dispute over alleged faulty workmanship, highlights ongoing concerns about vigilante justice and gang violence in the region.
The Attack: A Deadly Dispute at the Workshop
The incident unfolded on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Mr. Imuekheme’s furniture workshop along Old Ahor Road in Eyean, Uhunmwode Local Government Area. The victim, who hailed from Ikabigbo-Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area, was reportedly confronted by a group of 11 men over a complaint regarding a furniture job he had completed approximately six months earlier.
According to reports, the client had initially visited the workshop alone to raise the issue about the allegedly faulty work. When Imuekheme was absent, the man returned the next day with reinforcements—eight men initially, followed by three more arriving in an oxblood-colored Toyota Venza SUV. Upon Imuekheme’s arrival, the group descended on him with dangerous weapons, beating him severely.
A good Samaritan rushed the injured man to multiple medical facilities for treatment, including a health center at Eyean Primary School and Narrow Way Hospital, but both reportedly declined to admit him due to the severity of his injuries. He was then taken to Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin City, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at around 12:08 p.m.
Arrests and Police Response: Three Suspects in Custody
The Edo State Police Command acted quickly, arresting three suspects in connection with the murder. The operatives from the Ahor Divisional Police Headquarters detained the individuals, who are now in custody as investigations continue. Police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed the arrests but did not disclose the suspects’ identities or further details, stating that the investigation is ongoing to apprehend the remaining eight members of the gang.
The family of the deceased has appealed to the Edo State Government and Police Commissioner Funsho Adegboye for a thorough probe, urging that all perpetrators be brought to justice. “We demand justice for Aruna; he was a hardworking man providing for his family,” a family member told reporters, emphasizing the need to prevent similar acts of mob violence.
Background: Rising Concerns Over Disputes Turning Deadly in Edo
Edo State has seen a spate of violent incidents stemming from minor disputes, often escalating due to gang involvement or vigilante actions. The murder of Imuekheme fits a pattern of attacks linked to business disagreements, where clients resort to intimidation or violence rather than legal recourse. Similar cases include the 2024 killing of two artisans in Benin City, mistaken for robbers, and a 2023 incident involving a Togolese national accused of murdering an artisan over a job dispute.
Local communities in Uhunmwode and Etsako West have long grappled with insecurity, including communal clashes and economic pressures that exacerbate tensions. The police have ramped up patrols in industrial and workshop areas, but critics argue that more community policing and dispute resolution mechanisms are needed to curb such vigilantism.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions: Calls for Justice and Prevention
Security experts have condemned the attack, with Dr. Osagie Okunobo, a criminologist at the University of Benin, stating that “disputes over workmanship should never escalate to violence; this reflects a failure in mediation and law enforcement response times.” He called for mandatory arbitration centers in local government areas to handle business conflicts.
Public reaction has been one of outrage and sympathy, with social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) flooded with posts under hashtags like #JusticeForAruna and #EndGangViolenceInEdo. Users shared condolences and demanded faster arrests, with one viral post reading, “A hardworking man killed over a chair? Edo needs better protection for artisans!” garnering thousands of shares. Local advocacy groups, including the Edo Civil Society Network, have organized vigils and petitions to the state government, emphasizing the economic impact on families reliant on small-scale manufacturing.
No official statements from the suspects or their representatives were available, but community leaders in Eyean have pledged cooperation with police to identify the remaining fugitives.
Impact on Edo Residents: Economic and Social Ramifications
For communities in Edo State, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas like Uhunmwode, this incident heightens fears among artisans and small business owners, who form the backbone of the local economy. Furniture making and related trades support thousands of families, and such violence could deter investment and lead to labor shortages. Economically, it underscores the need for affordable dispute resolution to protect livelihoods in a state where unemployment hovers around 10%.
Lifestyle-wise, residents may avoid evening work or travel due to safety concerns, affecting daily routines. Politically, it fuels demands for stronger governance, with opposition parties criticizing the state administration for inadequate security. Technologically neutral, but social media’s role in amplifying calls for justice highlights its power in mobilizing community response. For sports and cultural enthusiasts, events in the area might see reduced attendance amid heightened tensions.
Conclusion: A Call for Swift Justice and Systemic Change
The arrest of three suspects over the brutal murder of furniture maker Aruna Imuekheme in Edo State on September 6, 2025, brings a glimmer of hope to his grieving family, but the pursuit of the remaining gang members remains crucial. As investigations continue at the Ahor Divisional Police Headquarters, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils of unresolved disputes turning deadly.
Looking ahead, authorities must ensure a thorough probe and prosecution to deliver justice, while implementing preventive measures like community mediation programs. For Edo’s residents, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for safer environments where hardworking individuals can thrive without fear. The family’s plea echoes a broader demand: justice not just for Aruna, but for all.