Kogi Tragedy: Nursing Mother Stabs Neighbour to Death Over Alleged Rape Attempt — The Bureau News Nigeria News Today
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
A 21-year-old nursing mother, Maryam Muntari, has allegedly stabbed her neighbour, Ahmed Kalo, to death in what community members described as self-defence during an alleged rape attempt in Idoji-Okene community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying it occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Police Confirm Incident, Begin Investigation
According to reports obtained by The Bureau News, the woman, who lives in the same compound with the deceased, is the wife of a political associate of Kalo. She was said to have gone to fetch water when the incident took place.
Witnesses reported hearing a scream for help from Kalo’s residence early in the morning. Neighbours rushed to the scene and found him lying in a pool of blood on his bed.
How the Incident Reportedly Happened
Local sources told The Bureau News that the deceased met Maryam at the community’s water point and asked her to help him carry a jerrycan of water to his room. Upon entering the house, Kalo allegedly locked the door and attempted to assault her.
According to residents, the woman reportedly pretended to comply but, sensing an opportunity when the man dropped his knife, she allegedly used it to defend herself. The man was said to have shouted for help before collapsing.
“The woman seized the opportunity, picked up a knife and stabbed the man with it. His scream for help drew the attention of his cousin and neighbours,” said Enezi Nuhu, a resident of Idoji-Okene.
Differing Accounts Emerge
However, the deceased’s cousin gave a slightly different version of events, stating that he only heard Kalo’s cry for help before finding him injured. He said the woman was seen leaving the house moments before the discovery.
“Both went to fetch water, but I did not know when the woman went upstairs. It was Kalo’s shout that drew attention. When we got there, he told us with his last breath that she stabbed him,” the cousin claimed.
Police Response and Ongoing Probe
Police authorities have confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody for questioning. The command assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The The Bureau News learned that the body of the deceased has been deposited at a morgue in Okene, while the nursing mother remains under police supervision as investigations continue.