The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Seth for allegedly macheting his father to death in the Pipeline area of Rumukwurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The Command also said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive for the alleged killing.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the deceased had reportedly confronted his son several times over his alleged consumption of a hard liquor known as Ice, a habit that was said to often infuriate the suspect.
A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, told our correspondent that the suspect, who is in his 20s, allegedly attacked his father at home.
The source said the suspect’s mother, a teacher, had gone to work when the incident occurred.
“The boy’s mother is a teacher and she was not at home. When she returned from work and saw the house scattered, from the veranda to the room, she asked the boy what had happened.
“They said the boy usually took Ice. She saw her husband lying down, so she thought he was sleeping. But because of the state of the house, she went outside and called people to come and check him.
“The person who came said the man was dead, but she did not see any blood. As she tried to go back inside, the boy locked the door where his father was and remained inside.
“The woman started shouting and attracted people. Vigilante members and the police came and forced the door open. The boy was seen with bloodstains on his hands. He admitted killing his father,” she said.
The source stated that it was unclear what triggered the alleged attack, saying, “Maybe he had a quarrel with his father over food or something else because the woman was rushing to prepare food for her husband that afternoon.”
LEADERSHIP gathered that the suspect allegedly attacked his father with a machete, inflicting several injuries on him, including injuries to his neck.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media showed the grieving woman narrating the incident to some officials believed to be members of a vigilante group in the area.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect.
“Yes, I can confirm. The suspect in question has been arrested, while investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Agabe said.
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