Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A quiet agrarian settlement in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State has been thrown into mourning after a 34-year-old man was allegedly hacked to death by his younger brother in what community leaders have described as a deeply troubling case rooted in accusations of witchcraft.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday in Ofeh community, where the suspect, identified as Nwalozie Chiwendu, is accused of killing his elder brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, inside their shared residence. Authorities confirmed that the suspect remains at large as a coordinated search operation intensifies across the area.
According to accounts from residents, the fatal confrontation followed allegations by the suspect that his brother was responsible for his perceived stagnation in life through supernatural means. Witnesses said the argument escalated rapidly before Chiwendu allegedly armed himself with a machete and attacked Isaiah multiple times.
Images circulating on social media, which have not been independently verified by authorities, show the deceased lying in a pool of blood with severe cut wounds consistent with machete injuries. Community members who arrived at the scene described a chaotic atmosphere as neighbors attempted to intervene.
Mr. Chinonso Chima, Youth President of Ofeh community, confirmed the incident in an interview on Friday, characterizing it as “very unfortunate” and deeply unsettling for residents. He said he received several distress calls shortly after the attack and immediately advised that the victim be rushed to a hospital while he made his way back to the community.
“The account given to me was that the younger brother attacked his elder sibling with a machete and inflicted fatal injuries before fleeing,” Chima said. “I told them to take the victim to the hospital immediately, and I hurried from town to assist. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.”
Chima initially indicated that due to the nature of the killing, the body should not be deposited in a mortuary immediately, a decision he attributed to community customs and the sensitive circumstances surrounding the death. However, he later clarified that the remains were eventually moved to a mortuary with authorization from security authorities.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the homicide and the ongoing manhunt. Police spokesperson CSP Grace Iringe-Koko stated that preliminary information suggests the suspect acted after accusing the deceased of witchcraft that allegedly hindered his personal progress.
“The information available indicates that the suspect used a machete to kill the victim after accusing him of witchcraft that was responsible for his lack of success,” Iringe-Koko said. “The victim’s body has been recovered and placed in the mortuary. Investigations are ongoing, and a manhunt has been launched to ensure the suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.”
Police have not disclosed whether there were prior reports of disputes between the brothers or whether mental health factors are being considered in the investigation. Officers are said to be combing surrounding communities and engaging local vigilante groups in efforts to locate the suspect.
Residents of Ofeh described the brothers as living in the same household for several years. Some neighbors suggested that underlying tensions had existed but had not previously escalated to violence. Others expressed shock that an accusation rooted in traditional beliefs could lead to such a brutal outcome.
Witchcraft allegations remain a sensitive and persistent issue in parts of southern Nigeria, occasionally triggering violence, ostracism, or communal tension. Advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that such accusations can spiral into deadly confrontations, particularly in rural communities where formal dispute resolution mechanisms may be limited.
Community leaders in Ofeh have urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions. Chima emphasized that discussions are ongoing with elders and opinion leaders to prevent panic or unrest.
“We must not allow this tragedy to create further instability,” he said. “We have engaged key stakeholders and appealed for calm. For now, the situation is stable, but emotions are understandably high.”
Security presence in the area has reportedly been increased as a precautionary measure. While there have been no reports of reprisals, local authorities are monitoring developments closely to ensure that the search for the suspect does not lead to vigilante-style actions.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian criminal law, intentional homicide involving a lethal weapon such as a machete constitutes a capital offense if proven in court. Should the suspect be apprehended and charged with murder, he would face prosecution under applicable state criminal statutes, with penalties ranging up to life imprisonment or capital punishment, depending on judicial findings.
The case also underscores the complex intersection of belief systems, family dynamics, and criminal accountability. Sociologists argue that deeply held suspicions of supernatural interference can intensify personal grievances, particularly in contexts of economic hardship or perceived failure.
In Omuma Local Government Area, residents say the tragedy has prompted renewed conversations about conflict mediation and mental health awareness. Some have called for stronger collaboration between community leaders and law enforcement to address disputes before they escalate into violence.
As investigators work to reconstruct the events leading to the killing, authorities are appealing to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the suspect. Police officials reiterated that harboring or aiding a fugitive constitutes a criminal offense.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased is preparing for burial arrangements pending completion of necessary police procedures. Friends described Isaiah as reserved and hardworking, adding that the violent circumstances of his death have left relatives struggling to comprehend the loss.
For the Ofeh community, the incident has shattered a sense of normalcy and exposed underlying vulnerabilities. The coming days will likely determine whether the search for the suspect proceeds peacefully and whether broader conversations about harmful accusations and community cohesion gain traction.
As the manhunt continues, residents remain watchful, balancing grief with cautious hope that justice will be served through lawful processes rather than further bloodshed.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments