Tragedy in Benin City: Esohe Aigbe, 30, Hacked to Death After Volunteering Free Design for Burial.

Esohe Aigbe, 30, Hacked to Death After Volunteering to Design for Free at Burial Ceremony in Benin City*

A 30-year-old interior decorator, Esohe Aigbe, was killed in Benin City on Friday night after she volunteered to decorate a venue for a burial ceremony at no cost, the Edo State Police Command confirmed Saturday.

Aigbe, a self-taught designer popular in the Ugbowo area, was attacked with a machete while leaving the venue of the wake-keep in the Ogida Quarters axis of Benin City around 10:40 p.m. on May 30, 2026. She died before she could get medical help.

According to witnesses and police, Aigbe had offered to handle the décor for the burial of a community elder as a “goodwill gesture” after hearing the family had a limited budget. She brought in her small team on Friday morning, set up the canopies, floral arrangements, and backdrop, and stayed behind to supervise.

“She said she didn’t want to charge them because the old woman was kind to her when she was starting out,” said Mercy Igbinoba, a caterer who worked the event. “She was just there packing up her materials when three men came from the back of the compound.”

Witnesses said an argument started near the gate. Within minutes, Aigbe was struck multiple times. The assailants fled before neighbors could intervene. Her team members sustained minor injuries while trying to help.

Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said one suspect is in custody and two others are being tracked.

“At about 22:50 hours on May 30, we received a distress call from Ogida Quarters. Our operatives found the victim with multiple machete wounds. She was pronounced dead at Central Hospital,” Nwabuzor said.

“Preliminary investigation suggests the attack was not random. The deceased had a misunderstanding with some youths earlier in the day over access to the venue and placement of décor materials. One person has been arrested and is helping us with information.”

The police have not released the name of the arrested suspect. They said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe.

Friends described Aigbe as a “hustler with a good heart” who built her brand, Eso Décor, from Instagram posts and referrals. She left the University of Benin in 2019 to focus on events after her mother died, and often gave discounts to churches and low-income families.

“She always said ‘beauty no suppose cost kill,’” said her younger brother, Osahon. “She just wanted to help. Now she’s gone for doing good.

Aigbe was 30 and the third of four children. She was planning to open a small studio on Sakponba Road in July and had recently completed a décor job for a local parish’s anniversary.

The incident has sparked outrage in Benin City, with many residents calling for better security around event venues. The National Association of Event Designers, Edo Chapter, condemned the killing and announced a candlelight procession for Tuesday.

“It is heartbreaking that a young woman would lose her life while giving back to her community,” said chapter chair, Mrs. Itohan Enabulele. “We are working with police to ensure justice. No decorator should die for volunteering.”

The family of the deceased elder, who were the beneficiaries of Aigbe’s free service, said they are “devastated and confused” by the turn of events. They have suspended the burial rites and are cooperating with police.

The killing adds to growing concerns about violence linked to social gatherings in Edo State. In March, two female MCs were attacked at a birthday party in Ekpoma. Police say they are increasing patrols around large gatherings.

SP Nwabuzor urged residents to report disputes early: “We understand emotions run high at burials and ceremonies. But taking the law into your hands will not be tolerated. Let the police handle grievances.”

Aigbe’s body has been deposited at the mortuary pending autopsy. Her family says she will be buried once investigations are concluded.

The Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism has promised to assist the family and review safety guidelines for event vendors.

As of Saturday evening, the hashtag #JusticeForEsohe was trending among Benin creatives, with many sharing photos of her past work and calling for an end to “senseless attacks on young entrepreneurs.