Reported by: L. Imafidon | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Ughelli South, Delta State — A family gathering ended in tragedy earlier this month after a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his own first cousin during a heated dispute over the refund of a ₦1,000 burial contribution, police have confirmed. The incident in the Ughelli South Local Government Area has shocked residents and drawn renewed calls for patience and emotional restraint in settling even minor disagreements.
According to SP Edafe Bright, Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Police Command, relatives had convened a meeting on December 12, 2025 following the burial of a family member — a customary occasion when contributors are typically refunded their small monetary contributions after funeral rites. However, the atmosphere turned sour when the suspect, identified simply as Ezekiel, became agitated over receiving back his ₦1,000 and insisted forcefully that it be returned to him.
Edafe, in a video posted on social media, explained that the dispute quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, Ezekiel struck his cousin with his hand, and the 42-year-old man died from the blow, the police spokesman said. The victim had attempted to calm his relative before the fatal contact, underscoring how minor domestic disagreements can devolve into violence with irreversible consequences.
Speaking about the incident, the suspect expressed remorse and claimed the death was accidental, insisting that he did not intend to kill his cousin and that the blow was delivered in the heat of the moment. He acknowledged that others had pleaded with him to calm down during the dispute, but that he failed to heed their advice before the tragedy unfolded.
Police have taken Ezekiel into custody as the matter is investigated and processed under the law. Delta State authorities are expected to determine appropriate criminal charges, considering the circumstances of the confrontation and local legal provisions relating to violent deaths within families.
SP Bright used the tragedy to caution the public against letting “temper and minor provocations” escalate into violence. He urged community members to exercise emotional control and resolve disagreements peacefully, noting that disputes over very modest sums — such as funeral contributions — should never lead to loss of life. “A word they say is enough for the wise,” he commented, warning that unchecked anger can escalate into serious criminal consequences.
Delta State has seen a number of violent family disputes spill into the criminal justice system in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about conflict resolution and social behaviour in communal settings. However, this case is particularly striking given that it arose from a traditional custom of refunding small funeral contributions, which ordinarily fosters support and solidarity rather than conflict.
The tragic death has prompted reflection among neighbours and local leaders about the value of human life and the dangers of allowing anger to override community norms and family bonds. As the legal process unfolds, many are calling for peaceful dialogue and community support mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in future.
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