A tragic incident unfolded in Uzalla Community, located in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, when a man, Iyayi Omokaro, allegedly hacked his elder brother, Friday Omokaro, to death following a heated disagreement. The incident, which has left the community in shock, was confirmed by the Edo State Police Command on Friday.
The killing took place around 3:30 PM, when a report was received by local authorities about the violent altercation between the two brothers. Police operatives, along with a vigilante group, quickly responded to the scene. They found Friday, aged 38, critically injured and immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Friday was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the authorities revealed that a cutlass, which was used as the murder weapon, was recovered from the scene.
The police investigation showed that the tragic death of Friday Omokaro resulted from an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. Iyayi Omokaro, aged 34, reportedly became involved in a violent altercation with his elder brother over an undisclosed issue. In the heat of the moment, Iyayi grabbed a cutlass and attacked Friday, ultimately hacking him to death.
This horrifying act of violence has shaken the Uzalla community, where the two brothers lived. The community, known for its close-knit nature, is struggling to come to terms with the brutal loss of one of its own.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with members of the community rushing to the area after hearing the sounds of the violent quarrel. One resident, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, expressed disbelief at the incident, saying, “This is a very shocking situation. We never expected something like this to happen here. The brothers were known to be close, and no one could have predicted such a tragic end.”
According to sources, the Omokaro family has faced several challenges over the years, but nothing could have prepared them for such an extreme tragedy. The community is now left in mourning, grappling with the aftermath of the violent death of one of their own, and struggling to understand what could have led to such a senseless act of violence between siblings.
The death of Friday Omokaro highlights a broader issue of family violence that continues to plague communities across Nigeria. While disagreements between family members are not uncommon, this tragic case emphasizes the potential for escalation when conflicts are left unresolved or unchecked.
Experts in the field of conflict resolution and family counseling have warned about the dangers of unresolved disputes, particularly in environments where tensions run high, and emotional communication is lacking. In such cases, tempers can flare, leading to violence, as seen in the unfortunate death of Friday.
Local authorities have long expressed concerns about family violence, but the issue remains largely under the radar, often going unreported. In many rural and semi-urban communities, conflicts within families are often resolved behind closed doors, without the intervention of the police or community leaders.
The tragic killing also raises questions about the role of mental health and anger management in preventing such violent incidents. Experts argue that there is an urgent need for better mental health services and education on anger management, especially in local communities where people may not have access to professional counseling or support systems.
The lack of open conversations around emotional well-being and the stigma surrounding mental health issues in many parts of Nigeria contribute to the escalation of disputes into violent confrontations. Anger, stress, and frustration, if not managed properly, can lead to disastrous outcomes, as witnessed in the Omokaro case.
Following the incident, Iyayi Omokaro was arrested by the police. In his confession, he admitted to killing his elder brother, Friday, during their fight. The police have since taken him into custody, and further investigations are underway. Iyayi is expected to be charged with murder and will soon be taken to court for trial.
Police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed that the case is being thoroughly investigated, and that the law will take its course. “Iyayi Omokaro has been arrested and is currently in our custody. He has confessed to the crime, and we will ensure that justice is served. He will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed,” Yamu said.
The police have also assured the public that they are working closely with local authorities and the community to prevent similar incidents in the future. The authorities are urging families to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes and to avoid resorting to violence, which has long-lasting and devastating consequences.
The tragic killing of Friday Omokaro serves as a somber reminder of the importance of peaceful conflict resolution within families. Experts believe that in many cases, violence can be avoided if family members are able to communicate effectively and address their issues without allowing tempers to flare.
