Police arrest mum for killing 33-year-old son in Benue

Awoman has been arrested by the police in Benue State for allegedly killing her 33-year-old son, Augustine Akule, with a pestle.

The suspect, Elizabeth Akule, was said to have committed the murder early this month at the family’s residence in Aliade town in Gwer East Local Government

Area of the state.

Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Catherine Anene, told our correspondent on Monday that, “The incident is confirmed. On 8 July, 2021, a case of homicide was reported to the police and investigation began. During investigation, it was suspected from evidences found at the scene that the mother of the victim had a hand in the case. The suspect was arrested and eventually confessed to the crime. Investigation is still in progress.”

Witnesses earlier told our correspondent that trouble began for Mr Akule when he rejected his mother’s move to sell a family land at Ikpayongo community.

It was further learnt that the mother proceeded to call a family meeting after Akule’s refusal to back her idea to sell the land, but that all the family members - mainly her children - who attended the meeting, also did not give in to her demand to sell the land, as according to them, it was their late father’s wish not to sell off family property.

At that point, it was gathered that the enraged mother threatened to deal with Mr Akule who in her estimation spearheaded the resistance by the other children against her plan.

Witnesses explained further that the mother, on July 8, 2021, after Mr Akule returned home drunk at night and while he slept, she allegedly hit him on the head with a pestle and stabbed him with a sharp object twice, killing him instantly.

It was further gathered that Mr Akule’s younger brother discovered what happened and raised alarm which led to the arrest of their mother.