A 28-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Ayoade Ohiremen, was reportedly killed during a dispute while bargaining for the purchase of a new motorcycle in Edo State. The tragic incident occurred in the Ahor community along the Oluku Road bypass in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Benin City.
Sources say the deceased had joined a group of other commercial motorcyclists to participate in the purchase of a new motorcycle under a “balance-and-carry” plan, a common arrangement where riders pay part of the price upfront and complete payment in installments.
According to a local source, Ohiremen, who operated within the Ahor-Uzala environs along the Oluku-Benin-Auchi Road bypass, became involved in a disagreement with other members of the community during the bargaining process.
“The deceased had joined other commercial motorcyclists to request a new motorcycle. However, upon arrival, his colleagues accused him of foul play, claiming he was not authorised to come for the motorcycle,” the source explained. “An argument broke out, which escalated into violence. He was allegedly beaten to a stupor and died on the spot.”
Eyewitnesses reported that after the attack, the suspected assailants dragged Ohiremen’s lifeless body into a nearby farm, leaving him abandoned as they fled the scene. Residents said the incident caused shock and fear in the community, as commercial motorcycling is a major source of livelihood for many in the area.
The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) immediately intervened upon receiving reports of the incident. The Deputy Corps Commander, Operations, Richard Balogun, confirmed that one suspect, Bello Bawa, had been arrested in connection with the killing.
“Operatives of the Corps in the area swung into action as soon as the report was received. They painstakingly pursued those responsible, and in the process, one suspect was arrested,” Balogun said.
The suspect was handed over to the Ahor Police Division and later transferred to the homicide department of the Edo State Police Command for further investigation. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend other individuals involved in the fatal attack.
Commercial motorcycles, popularly known as “okadas” in Nigeria, are a major mode of transport in many urban and semi-urban areas, including parts of Edo State. They provide employment for thousands of young men who operate within organised unions or cooperatives. However, disputes over bike purchases, payments, or allocation of motorcycles sometimes lead to tension among riders, especially when large sums of money are involved.
Residents of the Ahor community expressed shock over the violent nature of the incident. A local trader said, “It is very sad. He was just trying to get a new bike to improve his work and life, but this turned into a tragedy. We hope the police find everyone responsible.”
The ESSC also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities to prevent further incidents. Balogun warned, “Violence cannot be tolerated. Anyone found involved in unlawful acts will face the full weight of the law.”
This incident comes amid concerns over rising violence in some commercial transport sectors in Nigeria, where disputes over motorcycles, tricycles, and taxis have occasionally led to fatalities. Authorities continue to stress the importance of following legal procedures and avoiding confrontations in the handling of financial and commercial matters.
As the investigation continues, the community hopes that justice will be served for the untimely death of Ayoade Ohiremen. Residents also call on union leaders and local authorities to strengthen monitoring of commercial motorcycle operations to prevent such violent episodes in the future.
