Traders Protest in Edo after Man stabbed Pregnant Wife to Death

Women from the Ikpoba Hill Market Women Association staged a protest in Benin City, demanding justice after the murder of a 38-year-old trader, Ugiagbe Success Izekor by her husband, Kelvin Izekor.

Success, who was four months pregnant, was k!lled by her husband at their residence on No. 50, Upper Mission Road, Benin City, on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, eight months after their wedding. 

Spokesperson of the Edo State Police, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, noting that the suspect was nearly lynched by an angry mob before being arrested.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters, who were visibly angry over the incident, lamented the increasing cases of domestic violence against women.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs. Odion Asemota, said the deceased was stabbed in the neck while lying in bed, and she was four months pregnant at the time of her death.

Mrs. Asemota criticized the suspect’s family, alleging that the husband’s mother has threatened to do everything possible to secure his freedom, a claim that has fueled community anger.

“This was a man who married Success in June last year, and just eight months later, he stabbed her to death while she was four months pregnant. After killing her on Saturday night, he went to her store on Sunday and took the money she used for her Point of Sale (POS) business.

He even attempted to secretly dispose of her body on Sunday, but neighbours caught him,” she said. 

Success’ elder sister, Mrs. Ugiagbe Iziegbe, added that her sister had suffered repeated abuse from her husband and called on both state and federal authorities to ensure justice is served.