A festive season homecoming in Nigeria’s Edo State culminated in profound tragedy as a young man, who had returned from abroad to celebrate Christmas, was allegedly murdered by a childhood friend. The victim, identified locally as Didi, was reportedly lured into a secluded bush area within Oben Village, Benin City, where he was violently attacked and killed. This shocking incident has plunged the tight-knit community into a state of deep mourning and disbelief, casting an exceptionally dark shadow over what should have been a period of joy and family reunion.
Didi, whose full name has not been officially released by authorities pending further investigation, had travelled back to his homeland from his overseas residence specifically to share the festive Christmas holidays with his family and long-standing acquaintances. The alleged perpetrator, Amadin William, known by his local moniker “Old Soldier,” was a man with whom Didi reportedly shared a deep and enduring friendship dating back to their formative years. This profound betrayal by a trusted confidant has significantly intensified the sense of outrage and sorrow permeating the region.
Initial reports, which rapidly gained traction across social media platforms after being shared by X user @ChuksEricE, suggest that the fatal encounter unfolded after Didi was enticed to a remote, bushy expanse. While the precise sequence of events leading up to the violent assault remains a central focus of the ongoing police inquiry, authorities have confirmed that a brutal incident transpired in the isolated area near Oben Village. The grim discovery of Didi’s body shortly thereafter triggered an immediate and widespread outcry from local residents, prompting a swift and determined response from law enforcement agencies.
Following the alleged murder, Amadin William reportedly absconded from the scene, initiating a brief but intensive manhunt by local authorities. Police in Edo State swiftly launched a comprehensive investigation, meticulously leveraging local intelligence networks and securing crucial cooperation from community members who were equally distressed by the unfolding events. Within a relatively short timeframe, law enforcement officials successfully tracked down and apprehended the primary suspect in Benin City, where he was believed to have been seeking refuge. His prompt arrest marks a critical and decisive step forward in the complex judicial process that is now underway.
The devastating news of Didi’s untimely death, compounded by the alleged involvement of a trusted childhood friend, rapidly permeated Oben Village, igniting a wave of profound anger, grief, and disbelief among its residents. Community members articulated their deep shock at the sheer brutality of the act and the egregious violation of trust it represented. The tragedy also resonated powerfully across various social media platforms, with users throughout Nigeria and its extensive diaspora condemning the heinous crime and vociferously demanding justice for the victim. Many online discussions reflected on the perceived heightened dangers faced by individuals returning home from abroad, particularly those who have achieved a degree of success.
This devastating event irrevocably marred what traditionally represents a cherished period of homecoming, celebration, and familial reunion for countless families across Edo State and wider Nigeria. The incident serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the inherent complexities and sometimes unforeseen perils that can unfortunately accompany returns to one’s homeland, especially for individuals who might be perceived as having achieved significant prosperity overseas. It critically underscores the imperative for heightened personal safety awareness and vigilance, even when navigating seemingly familiar and trusted social circles. The festive atmosphere, usually vibrant with cultural festivities and gatherings, was notably subdued by the pervasive sense of loss and insecurity.
Police investigators are now meticulously working to reconstruct the full and accurate narrative surrounding Didi’s tragic death. This comprehensive inquiry involves the painstaking collection and analysis of forensic evidence from the crime scene, extensive interviewing of potential witnesses who might possess vital information, and the crucial task of establishing a clear and compelling motive for the alleged heinous crime. Authorities have unequivocally assured the public that a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation will be conducted, ultimately leading to the formal charging and robust prosecution of the individual found responsible under the full extent of Nigerian law.
As the community of Oben Village collectively grapples with the profound aftermath of this tragedy, the calls for swift and unequivocal justice for Didi have intensified significantly. Family members, close friends, and influential local leaders are united in their fervent appeals to the authorities to ensure a legal process that is not only transparent but also expeditious and fair. Beyond the immediate pursuit of justice, this harrowing incident has also prompted broader discussions within the community regarding enhancing local safety mechanisms and fostering greater collective awareness concerning potential threats, even those emanating from the most unexpected and seemingly benign sources. The journey towards healing for Oben Village is anticipated to be both arduous and protracted.
The case highlights a worrying trend perceived by some, where individuals returning from the diaspora, often seen as symbols of success and opportunity, can become targets. Such incidents erode the fundamental trust that binds communities and families, creating an atmosphere of suspicion where once there was camaraderie. This particular tragedy, involving a childhood friend, amplifies the emotional toll and societal impact, raising questions about the changing dynamics of relationships and the pressures within local communities.
For many Nigerians living abroad, the Christmas period is the most significant time to reconnect with their roots, bringing gifts, resources, and a sense of accomplishment back home. This ritual of homecoming is deeply embedded in the culture, making incidents like Didi’s murder particularly poignant and distressing. It not only impacts the victim’s immediate family but sends ripples of fear and concern through the wider diaspora, potentially influencing future travel decisions and perceptions of safety in their homeland.
The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to upholding law and order, assuring residents that all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure justice prevails. While specific details of the ongoing investigation remain confidential to protect its integrity, officials have indicated that they are exploring all angles, including the potential motives that could have driven such a heinous act between individuals with a shared past. The focus remains on a comprehensive judicial process.
As Oben Village slowly begins to process the immense grief and shock, the community looks to the legal system for resolution. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly be closely watched, not just by those directly affected, but by a wider audience concerned with justice, security, and the sacred bonds of friendship and family. The hope remains that through a thorough investigation and fair trial, Didi’s family can find some measure of solace and that such a tragedy can be deterred in the future.
Tragic Christmas Visit Ends in Mûrder in Edo State
A young man identified as Didi, who returned from abroad to celebrate Christmas with his family in Oben Village, Edo State, has been k!ll£d by allegedly childhood friend “Amadin William”
According to reports, Didi was allegedly… pic.twitter.com/TkVo06Mjjj— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 27, 2025
