A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend at the Marian Market in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, where a young man was allegedly stabbed to death by his elder sister following a minor dispute.
Eyewitnesses, mostly women traders in the market, claimed the attack was instigated by the siblings’ mother during an argument between her and the deceased.
The mother, whose identity had not been established at press time, is known for selling fish in bulk at the market.
According to a trader who witnessed the incident, and spoke anonymously, the suspect is about 23 years old. She said the altercation began shortly after the deceased, described as appearing “dazed,” arrived at his mother’s stall.
“The boy is said to be an addict who often takes a dangerous combination of narcotics popularly called ‘Ice’ in Calabar,” she said. “When he got to his mother’s stall to help as usual, an argument broke out. He exchanged words with his mother.”
Some traders alleged that the mother had previously complained about her son’s violent behaviour whenever he was under the influence of drugs, claiming he had attempted to assault and even rape her on several occasions.
“When the elder sister arrived, the mother reportedly told her to stab him,” one of the traders said. “Maybe she didn’t expect it would lead to his death. The boy began to bleed heavily and grew weak.”
Before help could arrive, the victim’s condition had deteriorated severely. Realising he might not survive, the mother and daughter allegedly attempted to flee, but neighbouring traders restrained the mother. The daughter, who was said to have carried out the stabbing, escaped.
“We were afraid that if they escaped, the police might come after us instead,” another trader explained.
The mother later told fellow traders that she ordered the attack out of fear for her safety, reiterating that her son had often threatened or assaulted her while high on drugs.
A trader identified as Mr Greg said the group immediately alerted the police, who arrived promptly and took the mother into custody. “She was made to carry her son’s body on her lap. It was soaked in his blood,” he added.
Calls to DSP Igri Ewa, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, were not responded to.
