Authorities in Nigeria have launched a manhunt following the brutal killing of a 56-year-old farmer, Henry Oyagbomwan, who was murdered by five of his farm workers after a fruit sale in Edo State.
The incident occurred on 13 May in Igueze village, located in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area. Local police report that Oyagbomwan had just completed a pineapple transaction worth ₦900,000 (around £470) when he was attacked and killed by his employees, who then buried his body in a shallow grave.
After the murder, the assailants contacted the family pretending the farmer had been kidnapped. They initially demanded a ransom of ₦60 million but later settled for ₦300,000 when the family insisted on hearing from their patriarch. Once the money was paid, the attackers severed all communication.
Detectives from the anti-kidnapping unit traced one of the suspects, Bassey Uyong Umeh, to a creek in Akwa Ibom State where he was apprehended. Umeh later admitted to the crime and led police officers to the burial site where Oyagbomwan’s body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.
According to the victim’s son, Festus, all other suspects remain at large and have switched off their mobile phones to evade arrest.
Edo State Police spokesperson Moses Yamu stated that investigations are ongoing and that authorities are actively pursuing the remaining fugitives involved in the murder.
