Cassava, Accusation, and Bloodshed: Man Murders 68-Year-Old Mother in Anambra

 

Onitsha, Anambra State – A chilling tragedy unfolded in Amudo Village, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, as police authorities confirmed the arrest of a 49-year-old man accused of murdering his 68-year-old mother, Mrs. Dorathy Anyaji, in a family dispute that reportedly spiraled into bloodshed.

According to a statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command, the horrifying event took place on Friday afternoon, around 1:40 p.m., when officers from the Ekwulobia Divisional Police Station responded to a distress call reporting a violent domestic incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, spoke on the case while addressing journalists in Onitsha. He revealed that the suspect, whose name is being withheld pending further investigation, allegedly attacked his mother with an axe following a heated argument.

Preliminary findings, Ikenga said, suggest the altercation was rooted in a disagreement over proceeds from a family-run cassava business. The suspect reportedly accused his mother of being dishonest about how the money was managed or shared.

"This case is as tragic as it is shocking. Our operatives arrested the suspect at the scene and recovered a bloodstained axe, which is believed to have been used in the attack," Ikenga stated.

Even more troubling, Ikenga added, was the suspect’s immediate reaction following the incident. Authorities say he attempted to take his own life shortly after committing the alleged crime, prompting police to place him under strict observation while in custody.

"The suspect is currently in our custody and receiving psychological monitoring to prevent any further harm to himself. He has been placed under suicide watch as investigations continue," Ikenga affirmed.

Residents of Amudo Village have been left stunned by the incident. Community members described the deceased, Mrs. Anyaji, as a humble and hardworking woman who was well-known in the village for her contributions to local agriculture, particularly in cassava farming and trade.

“She was a mother to everyone. Always in the market, always working. To imagine that her own son could do something like this… it’s unbearable,” said one villager, who chose to remain anonymous.

As the investigation progresses, authorities have assured the public that justice will take its course. Superintendent Ikenga confirmed that the suspect will be charged in court once all aspects of the case, including forensic analysis and witness testimonies, have been thoroughly reviewed.

The Anambra State Police Command also urged residents to report signs of escalating domestic conflicts and encouraged families to seek mediation in disputes before they reach dangerous levels.

“This unfortunate event is a reminder of how deeply mental health issues and unresolved family tensions can lead to unspeakable acts,” Ikenga concluded. “We call on citizens to remain vigilant and to seek help when situations begin to deteriorate.”

The body of Mrs. Dorathy Anyaji has since been deposited in a local morgue, pending an autopsy, while the suspect remains in custody, awaiting formal arraignment.

This case, though still under investigation, has sparked renewed conversations in the state about mental health awareness, domestic conflict resolution, and the need for community-based support systems in rural areas.