Mystery Deaths Rock Abakaliki Community as Father and Son Die After Suspected Poisoning

 

Tension has gripped residents of Ebebe Junction, Abakaliki, following a disturbing incident that claimed the lives of a middle-aged man and his young son. Known within the community as "Uncle Light," the man and his son, Miracle, were found unconscious early Thursday morning in what neighbors now suspect to be a case of deliberate food poisoning.

Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic and heart-wrenching scene. Miracle, said to be no older than 10, was discovered at the gate of their residence, writhing in pain and calling out for water. A neighbor, moved by the boy’s desperate plea, offered him a drink. Tragically, the child died shortly after, leaving residents in shock and confusion.

Inside the compound, Uncle Light was found unresponsive, lying naked and motionless. Some community members attempted to render help, hoping the man could be revived. Despite their efforts, he, too, was pronounced dead before medical intervention could arrive.

The eerie silence of the neighborhood in the early hours of the morning had been interrupted by loud voices, a resident recalled. The man, who chose not to reveal his identity, told reporters that he and his wife initially mistook the noise for a nearby church vigil. "We just thought it was night prayers or something," he explained. "It wasn’t until morning that we saw the little boy outside. He was shaking, asking for water. It was terrifying."

Neighbors also reported the sudden disappearance of the woman believed to have prepared the meal that may have led to the deaths. Identified as the girlfriend of Uncle Light, she reportedly left the house early that morning with her baby, abandoning both the man and the child.

Her swift departure raised suspicions, especially among locals who knew of her recent move into the home following a separation from her previous husband. Many now believe this was no ordinary case of food poisoning, with foul play suspected at the core of the tragedy.

Law enforcement officers from the Ebonyi State Police Command arrived at the scene after an hour-long wait by concerned residents and journalists. Among those who came with the police was a man claiming to be the brother of the woman at the center of the controversy. Speaking cautiously, he disclosed that his sister was currently receiving medical treatment but was already in police custody.

Further compounding the mystery, some neighbors suggested that the victims may have died from severe diarrhea. However, they also acknowledged that only a proper medical examination would provide clarity on the actual cause of death. “Autopsy will tell us the truth,” said one of the bystanders. “We’re just heartbroken. They were good people.”

By the time this report was being filed, law enforcement officials had successfully evacuated both bodies from the premises. The area has since been cordoned off as investigations continue, and police have yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Contacted for comment, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joshua Ukandu, admitted he had no prior knowledge of the incident. He, however, assured that his men were on the ground to gather facts and investigate all possible angles. “We will look into it thoroughly,” he promised.

The sudden and grim nature of the deaths has sparked debates among residents about domestic safety, relationships built on unclear pasts, and the need for greater vigilance in closely-knit communities like Ebebe Junction. While theories and rumors continue to swirl, what remains undeniable is the shock and grief that now hovers over a once-quiet neighborhood.

Authorities are urging anyone with useful information to come forward as they attempt to piece together the final moments leading to the unfortunate demise of Uncle Light and Miracle.