The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, Bamaiyi Tanko, for allegedly murdering his wife, Auta.

According to the police, Tanko, who hails from Maigoge Village in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly hacked Auta, his wife of 10 years, to death following an altercation.

Tanko, according to the police, threw the cutlass he allegedly used to kill his wife into a nearby bush in his bid to cover up the crime.

In a chat with Northern City News on Tuesday, Tanko said his late wife starved him of food for five days, adding that he attacked her in the heat of an argument.

“My wife was fond of not giving me food on time and when I complained, she would abuse me. She never gave me food each time I demanded it.

“She even asked my 10-year-old daughter to abuse me because I was asking for food,” Tanko said.

Regretting the incident that led to his wife’s death, however, Tanko said it was the work of the devil and advised men to always keep their anger in check.

The suspect pleaded for forgiveness.

“I am sorry, extremely sorry for what happened; it was the work of the devil and I pray my in-laws would find a place in their hearts to forgive me. I regret all my actions,” he said.

The acting Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, Peter Sunday, said Tanko had already been charged to court.