Pregnant Woman Murdered by Husband in Edo State; Police Launch Manhunt

The Edo State Police Command has verified the tragic killing of a pregnant woman, Osaretin Adun, by her husband in Benin City. The 25-year-old woman was stabbed to death at their residence in Egba, Benin City, while they were anticipating the arrival of their fourth child. The perpetrator, identified as Mr Inuaghata, managed to flee the scene before the police arrived. The victim's father, Mr Samuel Adun, reported the incident to a local police station.

A rigorous manhunt has been initiated to apprehend the fugitive husband, who was known for his abusive behaviour. The homicide section of the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken charge of the case. In the midst of these developments, the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has intensified her campaign against spousal abuse in the state.

Mrs Obaseki made a statement alongside Mrs Tina Okhiria, a victim recovering from the amputation of her left hand after being shot by her abusive husband, Mr Jason Okhiria, who is currently in police custody in Benin City. The First Lady urged members of the public to report incidents of spousal battery to the state Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, emphasising that no individual, regardless of status or influence, has the right to mistreat their spouse. She stressed that marriage should be a source of happiness and fulfilment, not a prison sentence.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, the father of the deceased woman reported the incident on May 24, 2023, stating that his daughter was killed by her husband, Mr. Inuaghata. The police promptly visited the scene, collected evidence, and transferred the body to the mortuary for further investigation.

Mr Adun, the father of the victim, has pledged a reward of N100,000.00 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of his son-in-law. He expressed his grief and bewilderment over the senseless act, revealing that his daughter was pregnant at the time of her death and emphasising the urgency of capturing the perpetrator.

"I hail from Orhionmwon local government. My daughter was killed by her husband. She was 23 years old," Mr Adun shared. "The incident happened at Egba on the 24th of last month. I do not understand the problem they have. I was called that my daughter has been killed. He used a knife to slit her throat. My daughter was pregnant when she was killed. I want the boy arrested. I will give anybody that gives information leading to his arrest the sum of N100,000. The boy had not formally married my daughter. His parents are both dead. I have called his brother. He ran away after killing my daughter. His name is Inuaghata," he added.