The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a woman, Loretta Asadu, and her daughter, Chikamso, over the alleged murder of their 70-year-old relative, identified simply as Mama Oliver, at Ezema Nru in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the development to our correspondent in a text message on Wednesday night, said an investigation into the incident had commenced.
“The suspects have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing,” Ndukwe stated.
The victim, said to be an indigene of Umabor-Ehalumona, had reportedly relocated to Ezema Nru to care for Loretta and her daughter, who were alleged to be battling mental health challenges.
Residents said the incident occurred on Tuesday under circumstances that have left the community in shock.
A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the deceased had complained of hunger shortly before the attack.
The source claimed that Loretta’s son, Abumchukwu, had gone out to buy food for the elderly woman.
The neighbour further alleged that before leaving the house, Abumchukwu restrained his mother because she was becoming violent.
“While he was away, Chikamso, who is also mentally unstable, allegedly untied her mother. Both of them then attacked the aged woman, dragged her behind the house, and hacked her with weapons. They accused her of stealing their money,” the source said.
Another resident, Ifeanyi, described the incident as disturbing, alleging that the victim suffered severe injuries.
“The deceased was very peaceful. We were called and told that something terrible had happened. The entire situation is heartbreaking,” he said.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary in Nsukka for autopsy.
The incident has thrown the Ezema Nru community into mourning, with residents expressing disbelief over the violent death of the elderly woman.
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