A middle-aged man, identified as Malime Ejor, has been accused of killing his girlfriend, Moshie Igu, over alleged infidelity in Cross River State.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has sparked outrage among residents of the community, who are demanding justice.
Sources on Monday noted that the suspect, said to be 35, allegedly attacked the 26-year-old woman at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community, in Ogoja Local Government Area of the state.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said locals were drawn to the scene after hearing distress calls but arrived too late to prevent the attack.
According to the source, a disagreement between the couple over accusations of infidelity reportedly escalated into violence.
“We heard shouting and rushed there, but before we could intervene, he had already attacked her with a machete,” the resident said.
He added that youths in the community eventually subdued the suspect and handed him over to security operatives.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the suspect had been taken into custody while investigations were ongoing.
“The suspect is currently in custody, and a full investigation has commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
Eitokpah disclosed that police operatives swiftly responded to the report and prevented the suspect from being lynched by an angry mob.
“The suspect was rescued from mob action and is now in police custody for his safety and further investigation,” he added.
He noted that arrangements were being finalised to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja, while the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry.
The development comes weeks after a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a 29-year-old man, Quadri Mohammed, was reported to have killed his girlfriend, Precious Mogaji.