The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man identified simply as Mr Abuchi over the alleged killing of his wife in Amaji village, Umuoyoro Community, Omuma Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Thursday when the couple had gone to their farm. An argument ensued between them, during which the suspect allegedly used a kitchen knife on his wife, a mother of two, leading to her death.
A source told our correspondent that the woman’s scream attracted other villagers working around the farm. “They rushed there, overpowered the man and restrained him,” the source said.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Eberi Police Division in Omuma LGA.
The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident during a phone call with our correspondent.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect has been arrested and the Commissioner of Police has ordered a detailed investigation to ensure timely justice,” she said.
A security source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the suspect reportedly told investigators that he did not know what came over him when the incident occurred.
The incident has thrown the community into shock and mourning, as residents wonder what could have led to the altercation.
Meanwhile, a human rights group, the Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign, condemned the incident. The National Coordinator of the group, Prince Wiro, in a statement on Friday, described the act as “the height of man’s inhumanity” and said there was no justification for the suspect’s action. He called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation.
