The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man, Joshua Nwafor, for allegedly beating his wife, Charity Nwafor, to death during a domestic altercation over a tuber of yam in Nsokkara, Ezza South Local Government Area.
The Dispute
According to reports, the altercation began when Nwafor instructed his wife to cook a tuber of yam for the family. Charity, however, preferred roasted yam and went ahead to roast it against her husband’s directive. This disagreement reportedly enraged Nwafor, who dragged her into their room, locked the door, and beat her severely until she succumbed to her injuries.
A Facebook post by Taoheed Oyekanmi shed light on the tragic incident:
“The man brought out yam to be cooked for the entire family to eat, and the wife told him that she was not going to eat the cooked one, that she preferred roasted one, and went ahead to roast the yam. As a result, the man got angry and dragged her into the room, locked the door, and beat her till she gave up the ghost.”
Police Confirmation
The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. Speaking to journalists, Ukandu said the command had launched an investigation into the matter and was collecting information from eyewitnesses.
“We have arrested the man, and he is in our custody. We are gathering information from eyewitnesses as part of the investigation process. He will be charged in court as soon as we conclude the ongoing investigation,” Ukandu stated.
Broader Concerns
This incident highlights the growing concerns over domestic violence in Nigeria, where cases of spousal abuse continue to make headlines. The tragedy underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues of anger management and conflict resolution within families.
Related Incidents
In a separate incident reported by PUNCH Metro, a woman identified as Sarah Ayinde is on the run after allegedly setting her husband, a special constable with the Ogun State Police Command, Abidemi Ayinde, ablaze. The incident, which occurred on December 10 in Iperu, Ogun State, followed a minor domestic dispute that escalated into violence.
The disturbing rise in cases of domestic violence has sparked calls for more robust intervention measures, including public awareness campaigns and stronger legal frameworks to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Legal Proceedings
As investigations continue, the Ebonyi State Police Command has assured the public that Joshua Nwafor will face justice for his actions. The case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked domestic violence and the urgent need for societal and institutional efforts to address the issue comprehensively.
