Gruesome murder of Cement Seller shocks Owheologbo Community

The peaceful town of Owheologbo in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State was thrown into mourning again following the gruesome murder of Miss Happy Odhegba, a well-known cement dealer and PoS Operator, allegedly by a middle-aged man identified simply as Mr. Mayor, who is now on the run.

The fleeing suspect who escaped with the suspect’s Lady’s Bike is alleged to hail from Imo State but came to reside in the Community over six months ago and had business relationship with the deceased.

According to a Human Rights Activist, Comrade Isreal Joe, the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the suspect’s home in Owheologbo after the suspect had sent his girlfriend away.

Sources said that the suspect’s girlfriend's parents who are natives are peasant farmers who relocated to Oben in Edo State for farming purposes.

The victim, described as family bread-winner, hardworking and kind-hearted, was reportedly attacked by Mayor in what community members believe was a premeditated act.

A distraught Morrison Iluesure Esq, President General of Owheologbo Community who deprecated the action said the incident was worrisome.

Iluesure who spoke to Vanguard on phone said, “There is sadness in the community, and in the family of the victim. She was the breadwinner.” He said sorrowfully.

The PG said immediately they got wind of the murder, the Community mobilized Vigilante members to Oben in Edo State to track the fleeing man and his girlfriend as the parents of the girlfriend are farming there but were told that they are not there.

“An illustrious son of the Kingdom has announced a donation of N1miilion for whoever could provide information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.” He added.

Sources say the suspect, believed to be an acquaintance of the deceased, invited her to his home and engaged her in a heated argument. A battle axe and a hammer were allegedly found in the crime scene, including the victim’s PoS and scattered Naira notes, these could be the instruments with which he inflicted fatal wounds on the unsuspecting woman.

“They were arguing seriously,” a woman recounted. “But no one knew what happened next, when people came later, she was already in a pool of her own blood. Mayor had fled the scene.” The source added.

Residents revealed that Mayor had been seen working as a house builder for about six months before the incident, with people not suspecting any negative intention as he had a good relationship with the victim.

Miss Happy, who was in her mid-20s with an aged mother, was said to be the breadwinner of her family. She had run the cement business on behalf of her boss for years, earning respect in the community for her resilience and dedication.

As news of the murder spread, angry youths took to the streets in protest, demanding justice and calling on security agencies to apprehend the suspect immediately. The tension in the area prompted a swift response from the police, who have since cordoned off the crime scene and launched a manhunt for the Mayor.

Delta State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a terse test, “Confirmed.”

Meanwhile, the remains of Miss Happy have been deposited at an undisclosed morgue pending autopsy, while investigations continue.

The President General has called for calm and urged residents to assist law enforcement with any useful information. “This is not who we are as a people,” said Iluesure. “We must work with the police to ensure this evil does not go unpunished.”

Two persons, the man who brought the suspect to the Community and the Landlord have been allegedly arrested by the Police for questioning. middle-aged man, Mr. Mayor on 27th of July, 2025 allegedly gruesomely murdered.

According to Israel Joe, “The suspect invited her to his rented house after sending his girlfriend out of the Community. The suspect and Happy could have had an altercation as neighbours were said to hear the victim shouting and fighting for her life.

“That, all of a sudden everywhere became calm not knowing that the Suspect had allegedly killed Happy with strangling and multiple injuries inflicted on her neck and body of the young girl.

“He ran away and put off his phone since morning. The body of Happy has been evacuated to the mortuary this afternoon by her people and the police. This monster is on the run but I bet, he won't go free.

“This goat dey ask me for WhatsApp call say wetin concern me Israel Joe. The same thing wen Efe Money for Otokutu do wen e make me go the extra mile. Dear Mayor, if police nor apprehend you, my name nor be Israel Joe. 

“He has totally absconded but we shall see. I go call you come back. Pls watch out for him and we demand justice for this innocent self-sustaining hustling lady Happy Odhegba.