Tragedy struck the Amai community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, where a 70-year-old man, Mr. Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs. Atagoshi, were gruesomely murdered and beheaded in a shocking incident linked to a land dispute. The community is now grappling with the horror of this heinous crime.
Details of the Incident
The gruesome act unfolded when the suspect reportedly lured the victims into a bush under the pretense of discussing the contentious land issue. The victims, unsuspecting of the suspect’s intentions, accompanied him into the bush, where they were brutally attacked.
Their headless bodies were later discovered in the bush. Mrs. Atagoshi, a secondary school teacher, had purchased a piece of land in the community, which some individuals subsequently contested, leading to the deadly confrontation.
Police Confirmation and Vigilante Action
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe. In a statement, Edafe explained the sequence of events:
“The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them.”
On the same day, community vigilantes apprehended a man identified as Emeke, who was found in possession of two human heads. The discovery enraged residents, who mobbed and set the suspect ablaze. Upon inspection, the two heads were confirmed to belong to the victims.
Efforts to Apprehend the Main Suspect
The primary suspect responsible for the killings is currently on the run. DSP Edafe assured the public that law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to locate and arrest him, ensuring that justice is served.
Community Reacts to the Gruesome Crime
The Amai community is in shock over the brutal murder of the father and daughter, a crime that has left many questioning the extent of violence associated with land disputes. Community members expressed anger and grief, calling for swift justice to prevent similar incidents in the future.
One resident said, “This is a terrible tragedy. How can a land dispute lead to such barbaric actions? We need justice for these innocent lives.”
A Call for Justice and Resolution of Land Disputes
The incident underscores the urgent need for effective mechanisms to resolve land disputes peacefully and prevent them from escalating into violence. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies are being urged to work collaboratively to address underlying tensions and ensure such acts are not repeated.
The police have called on anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward, pledging to bring all involved to justice. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Mr. Aghanti and Mrs. Atagoshi, whose lives were tragically cut short in a crime that has shocked the region.
