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Police Nab Woman Caught on Video Trying to Slit Maid’s Throat in Umuahia

Published

3 months ago

July 7, 2026

Abia State Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka

Police Nab Woman Caught on Video Trying to Slit Maid’s Throat in Umuahia

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs Nwoko Gift, for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old house help and niece, Miss Ebony Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia, following the circulation of a disturbing viral video on social media on Monday, July 6, 2026, which captured the horrifying moment the woman assaulted the young girl and attempted to cut her throat with a knife. In the footage, the visibly terrified victim is seen lying face-down on a concrete floor, pleading for mercy while crying, “Aunty no,” as she shielded her throat from the weapon, and a neighbour in the compound filmed the entire incident, while the young girl was later rescued by a man who intervened to stop the woman from carrying out the deadly attack.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and the suspect, who hails from Ehime Mbano, Imo State, allegedly attempted to kill the girl because she refused to spread clothes she was instructed to hang before the suspect left for the market. The police spokesperson detailed: “Preliminary investigation reveals that on 05/07/2026, Mrs Nwoko Gift, female, 35 years old, of Ehimembano Imo State but resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, the aunt to Miss Ebo Chimamanda (female, 12 years) of the same address, on the same date attempted to kill Miss Ebo Chimamanda, who stays with her, on the basis that she refused to spread the clothes she was asked to spread before the suspect left for the market” . Police investigations further uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse, revealing that the suspect had repeatedly beaten and threatened to kill the young girl in the past, painting a grim picture of prolonged domestic violence against a vulnerable child entrusted to her care.

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Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, raced to the scene, rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the kitchen knife used in the attack, ensuring that the weapon was secured as evidence for prosecution. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, and the suspect will be charged with attempted murder upon the conclusion of the inquiry, as police work to build a strong case that ensures justice is served for the young victim. The Police Command strongly condemned the act, with DSP Chinaka stating: “This act is strongly condemned in its entirety. The Abia State Police Command is aware of the incident, and investigation is currently ongoing. The suspect is in our custody, and we will keep the public informed as the investigation progresses” . In a further statement, the command added: “The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such acts, as well as to report any such incidents to the nearest police station. Together we can keep Abia safe. See something, say something” , underscoring the importance of community vigilance in combating domestic violence and child abuse.

The viral video has triggered widespread outrage across social media, with many Nigerians condemning the attack as attempted murder rather than discipline, and the public has demanded swift justice for the young girl while expressing concern over the rising incidence of child abuse across the country. Nigerian writer and social commentator Charles Ogbu, founder of the Leave No One Behind Rural Care Initiative, has called on the government to declare a state of emergency on child abuse and violence against children in Nigeria, arguing that the frequency and brutality of such incidents demand urgent systemic intervention. In a passionate social media post, Ogbu declared: “I have said it again and again, our society needs to declare a state of emergency on Child abuse and violence against children. And offenders deserve nothing but the harshest punishment possible. This is a blight on human civilization. Happened today at IBB Estate, Umuahia. I have since forwarded the video to the state government and secured assurances of their prompt action. This is attempted murder!” , reflecting the growing frustration among Nigerians who feel that existing laws and enforcement mechanisms have failed to protect vulnerable children. The incident has renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable children and enforcement of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law across Nigeria, as the young victim is expected to receive medical and psychological rehabilitation from the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which has been urged to take custody of the minor and ensure her long-term safety and wellbeing.

Police Nab Woman Caught on Video Trying to Slit Maid’s Throat in Umuahia

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Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

Published

19 minutes ago

October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Tsuagh, is among four people confirmed dead following a boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

The accident occurred on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as passengers were travelling across the Buruku River after attending a burial ceremony. Most of those on board were reportedly from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that four bodies had been recovered, while nine passengers remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.

SEMA Information Officer, Tema Ager, said the number of people who were aboard the boat was still being established because different accounts had emerged from survivors, relatives and community members.

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An earlier estimate suggested that more than 200 people may have been on the vessel, while subsequent information put the number of passengers believed to have been involved at about 138. The boat was also carrying numerous motorcycles.

Ager said 125 passengers had been rescued as of Monday, while divers and other rescue personnel continued searching for those still unaccounted for.

The rescue operation is also focused on recovering motorcycles and other belongings that went into the river. Authorities said 38 motorcycles were believed to have entered the water, with five subsequently recovered.

Initial accounts attributed the mishap to engine failure, overloading and difficulties encountered while attempts were made to rescue passengers. Another preliminary account from the state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, said a strong current swept the boat into an abandoned barge, causing it to overturn.

The differing preliminary accounts are expected to be clarified as the authorities complete their investigation.

Following the accident, the Benue State Government suspended the Buruku crossing-point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers.

Iyaghigba also ordered the suspension of the line operator and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident pending investigation.

SEMA has continued to appeal to passengers using the state’s waterways to observe water safety measures, particularly the use of life jackets and compliance with instructions from maritime officials.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about maritime safety in Benue, including passenger capacity, boat maintenance, enforcement of safety regulations and the need for safer river crossings.

Search and rescue efforts are continuing as authorities work to account for all passengers believed to have been aboard the vessel.

Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

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Rivers Police Arrest OSPAC Operative Over Alleged Killing, Secret Burial

Published

32 minutes ago

October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe

Rivers Police Arrest OSPAC Operative Over Alleged Killing, Secret Burial

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a member of the Onelga Security and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) over the alleged killing and secret burial of a man in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The suspect, identified as Felix Dibia, is accused of killing Francis Chibuzor Ogwu during an incident reported on October 1, 2026.

According to the police, Dibia allegedly accosted Ogwu and another man along a road in Omoku and ordered both men to sit on the ground. While Ogwu reportedly complied, the other man allegedly fled from the scene.

Dibia allegedly shot Ogwu and subsequently buried his body in a shallow grave before leaving the area.

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The alleged incident came to light the following day, prompting the Rivers Police Command to launch an investigation.

Police investigators subsequently arrested Dibia and recovered a firearm allegedly linked to the incident.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed the arrest and said the investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

The command said the suspect would be subjected to due process as investigators work to determine what led to the alleged killing and whether any other person was involved.

The police have not disclosed further details about the recovery of Ogwu’s remains or whether additional suspects have been arrested.

The case has renewed attention on the activities of vigilante groups and community security outfits operating in parts of Rivers State, particularly the need for such groups to operate within the law while supporting conventional security agencies.

Dibia remains in police custody as the investigation continues, and the allegations against him have not been established in court.

Rivers Police Arrest OSPAC Operative Over Alleged Killing, Secret Burial

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Adeleke Signs New Law to Regulate Motor Parks Across Osun

Published

53 minutes ago

October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Adeleke Signs New Law to Regulate Motor Parks Across Osun

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has signed the Osun State Park Management Bill, 2026 into law, providing a new legal framework for the administration of motor parks and transport-related activities across the state.

The legislation, signed in Osogbo, is aimed at restructuring the management of motor parks, improving accountability in the transport sector and addressing longstanding disputes over the control and administration of parks.

The new law provides for a more organised system of park management, including measures to regulate operations, improve revenue collection and reduce leakages in the system.

It also introduces provisions for digital ticketing, with the aim of eliminating multiple ticketing and making revenue collection more transparent. The framework is expected to strengthen oversight of commercial transport activities while reducing opportunities for extortion and other irregular practices.

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Under the new law, activities such as thuggery, violence and other unlawful conduct within motor parks are prohibited, as the state seeks to create a safer and more orderly environment for transport operators and commuters.

The legislation follows renewed efforts by the Adeleke administration to address disputes and insecurity associated with the control of motor parks in Osun.

The governor had earlier directed the reintroduction of a formal Park Management System following the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, in Ile-Ife. The incident heightened concerns over rival interests and disputes surrounding motor park operations.

Following the development, the state government ordered rival groups to vacate motor parks and directed security agencies to restore order while steps were taken to establish a statutory framework for park administration.

The Osun State House of Assembly subsequently passed the park management legislation, paving the way for the governor’s assent.

With the signing of the bill, the state now has a statutory framework for regulating motor parks, garages, loading points, transport operations and related revenue collection.

The implementation of the law is expected to bring changes to the way parks are administered and how transport operators interact with the state government. Its effectiveness will depend largely on enforcement, transparency and the cooperation of transport stakeholders.