Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Law enforcement authorities in north‑west Nigeria have apprehended a man suspected of fatally attacking his spouse in a domestic violence incident that has shocked communities in Kebbi State. The suspect, Sule Gurmu, was taken into custody in Katami town, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, after fleeing the scene of the crime following the fatal assault on his wife, Umaima Maidawa, in Bayawa town, Augie Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
According to the Kebbi State Police Command, the incident took place on January 13, 2026, during an early‑morning domestic dispute at the couple’s residence. Police spokespeople confirmed that Gurmu struck his 25‑year‑old wife with the wooden handle of a hoe, inflicting injuries from which she later died shortly after the attack.
Residents of Bayawa were left reeling from the violence, prompting local authorities to act swiftly. Hon. Yahaya Muhammad Augie, Chairman of Augie Local Government Area, described the killing as “abhorrent and unacceptable,” and personally directed security agencies to pursue the suspect. He visited the crime scene with security officials and oversaw the transfer of Umaima’s body to Argungu General Hospital for a post‑mortem examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the attack, Gurmu fled towards neighbouring Sokoto State. A joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) tracked him down in Katami and effected his arrest without reported incident. The coordinated effort underscored inter‑state cooperation among law enforcement agencies in tracking violent crime suspects across borders.
Gurmu is currently being held in custody and is expected to face prosecution once investigations are complete. Police have stated that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough examination and eventual legal action. Law enforcement officials emphasised that murder and extreme domestic violence are serious criminal offences under Nigerian law and will be met with the full force of the judicial system.
The tragic death of Umaima Maidawa has reignited concerns about domestic violence in rural communities across the region. Residents and civil society groups have expressed deep grief and outrage, calling for stronger preventive measures and community‑level awareness programmes to address household aggression and protect vulnerable family members.
Domestic violence remains a significant social issue in Nigeria, with advocacy organisations urging broader implementation and enforcement of protective legislation such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act). Although the VAPP Act seeks to criminalise all forms of violence against individuals, its adoption and enforcement vary across states, prompting calls for harmonised legal frameworks and proactive community education to curb spousal abuse.
Authorities have pledged to pursue justice in the case and to ensure that those responsible for violent offences are held accountable. The police’s swift arrest of the suspect has been acknowledged by local leaders as a necessary step toward reaffirming the rule of law and restoring public confidence in community safety.
As the investigation continues, local leaders and residents alike have highlighted the need for sustained efforts to prevent similar tragedies. They urge families, community stakeholders and security agencies to collaborate on conflict resolution initiatives, tackle underlying social pressures that contribute to domestic disputes, and promote mechanisms that protect individuals at risk of violence.
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