Benin women protest over the murder of pregnant housewife by her husband
A group of women, organized under the Concerned Market Women association, took to the streets of Benin City on Monday to protest the tragic murder of 38-year-old pregnant housewife, Success Izekor, by her husband, Kelvin Izekor.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, saw Success, who was four months pregnant, allegedly stabbed to death by her husband at their home on No. 50, Upper Mission Road, Benin City.
The protesters, holding placards with messages condemning domestic violence, expressed outrage over the growing number of such violent incidents targeting women.
Odion Asemota, who spoke on behalf of the protesting group, urged the government to ensure justice for Success. She also expressed concerns about the suspect’s mother, who allegedly claimed her son would be released on the grounds of mental illness, despite the gravity of the crime.
“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, he went to her store on Sunday and took money she needed for her Point of Sale (POS) business. He even tried to dispose of her body secretly, but neighbors caught him,” Asemota said.
The Edo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the murder in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu. According to Yamu, police received a report that Kelvin Izekor had killed his wife and was about to be lynched by an angry mob. When officers arrived, they found Success’s lifeless body with deep cuts to her head.
Yamu said it took significant effort for the police to calm the mob, rescue the suspect, and take him into custody. The victim’s body was taken to a hospital where she was confirmed dead.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, condemned the rise in domestic violence cases and assured the public of a thorough investigation. She promised that anyone found responsible would face the full consequences of the law.
