Family Demands Justice For Furniture Maker Killed In Edo Over Chair Dispute

A 41-year-old furniture maker, Mr. Aruna Imuekheme, has reportedly been beaten to death by suspected gang members in Edo State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the victim’s workshop located along Old Ahor Road, Eyean, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Imuekheme, who hailed from Ikabigbo-Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area, was allegedly attacked by 11 men following a dispute over a furniture job he had completed about six months earlier.

According to Daily Post, operatives of the Edo State Police Command at the Ahor Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder.

The victim’s brother, Mr. Lukeman Imuekheme, explained that the dispute arose when a client returned to the workshop on Friday, September 5, 2025, demanding that chairs earlier upholstered be fixed again. The client reportedly claimed that the materials used for the job had compressed.

“My brother told them that the agreement was only for covering the chairs with new fabric, not replacing the foam,” Lukeman said.

He narrated that an argument broke out but was quickly settled by people around. Unknown to the family, the client allegedly mobilized reinforcements.

“The group returned the following day with at least 11 men—eight at first and later three others who arrived in an oxblood-coloured Toyota Venza SUV. When they got to the workshop and did not see my brother, they tried to steal his tools and other items. Apprentices and nearby residents resisted, which led to a fight,” he added.

An eyewitness identified as Mathew stated that the deceased, who was initially out on another job, was alerted and rushed back to his workshop. On arrival, he was attacked with dangerous weapons by the gang.

The victim was rushed by a good Samaritan to different hospitals in search of urgent medical attention. However, health workers at Eyean Primary School Health Centre and Narrow Way Hospital reportedly declined to admit him.

He was later taken to Edo Specialist Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival at about 12:08 p.m. His body has since been deposited at Stella Obasanjo Mortuary in Benin City.

The family of the deceased has appealed to the Edo State Government and the Commissioner of Police to ensure justice is served.

“We appeal for fairness, equity, and justice in handling this case. We have also reached out to the Chairman of Edo State Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, for intervention because the boys allegedly acted like cult boys with the nature of weapons with them. The matter has also been reported to the Edo State Police Command,” Lukeman said.