Shocking: Neighbour Sets Man Ablaze In Edo

DDM News

Tragedy struck in Otofure Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, after a man was reportedly set on fire by his neighbour.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the victim, identified as Junior Ogbomo, eventually died from severe burns sustained during the horrifying attack.

The incident occurred last week, but Ogbomo succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ugbowo.

The suspect, known simply as Mr. Christian, allegedly doused Ogbomo with petrol and hurled a lit matchstick at him, engulfing the victim in flames.

According to local sources, both men were residents of the same house in the community.

After committing the act, the suspect fled the area and has not been apprehended as of the time of this report.

It was further revealed that Ogbomo, who hailed from Utekon—a neighbouring community—suffered third-degree burns covering more than 70% of his body.

Following the attack, the severely burned victim managed to run to a local vigilante office where he pleaded for help.

A member of the Edo State Security Corps, identified as Mr. Favour, confirmed that he intervened at the vigilante outpost and helped convey Ogbomo to the hospital.

Sadly, despite efforts by medical professionals, the victim died a few days later from the extensive injuries he sustained.

The incident was first made public through a local radio station in Benin City, where the security agent disclosed details of the attack and the failure to immediately apprehend the suspect.

At the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful.

Community members have been left in shock by the brutal nature of the crime, with many calling for urgent police intervention and justice for the deceased.

Meanwhile, residents of Otofure and Utekon have expressed fear and outrage over the incident, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigations are expected to begin in earnest once the police officially acknowledge the case.

The death of Junior Ogbomo adds to a growing list of unresolved violent incidents in rural communities across Edo State, raising concerns over community safety and neighbourly disputes spiraling into fatal outcomes.

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