The peace meeting was supposed to settle a marriage. Instead, it ended in bloodshed.
Kehinde Onizeokaraga, 25, was hacked to death with a machete on Wednesday morning in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The suspect, Sodiq Ibrahim, her estranged husband, fled the scene and remains at large. Police have launched a manhunt.
The meeting was arranged at the residence of Kehinde's father's friend. According to her cousin, Yussuf Lawrence, Kehinde had been preparing to leave Ado Ekiti when she was invited to the house. She went on Wednesday morning, unaware that Ibrahim would be present.
"While Kehinde was preparing to leave Ado Ekiti, she was invited to the residence of her father's friend, who they said wanted to see her. Kehinde went to the residence on Wednesday morning, unaware that her husband would also be present," Lawrence said.
The couple, both from Kogi State, had been experiencing serious problems in their marriage for some time. The issues became so severe that Kehinde had moved out of their matrimonial home. A source familiar with the case said Ibrahim had been pushing for reconciliation, but Kehinde was not comfortable with the idea.
"I am aware they had issues in the marriage to the extent that the lady had left the man's house due to some irreconcilable differences," the source said. "But recently, there were efforts by the suspect to resolve the issue with her, which the deceased was not comfortable with."
During the meeting, things took a deadly turn. Ibrahim allegedly produced a machete and attacked Kehinde multiple times, inflicting fatal injuries. The attack happened in front of those who had gathered to mediate the couple's dispute.
After the attack, the suspect fled. Kehinde's body was deposited at a mortuary in the state capital.
Lawrence said some people had been arrested to assist with the investigation, though the main suspect was still on the run. He also alleged that Ibrahim fled with Kehinde's mobile phone, which the family believes could contain useful information for investigators.
"We want Sadiq (Ibrahim) to be found and arrested. We want justice for Kehinde. Her parents are in pain, and my family is in serious agony. She didn't deserve this," Lawrence said.
The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Abutu said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has directed a full investigation.
"The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice," Abutu said.
The killing is the latest in a series of reported domestic violence cases in Nigeria. Rights groups have repeatedly called for early intervention in abusive relationships and stronger protection for victims, but the calls have not stopped the bloodshed.
The circumstances of the meeting itself raise questions. Kehinde was invited to the residence of her father's friend, a person she trusted. She arrived expecting to see him. Instead, she was met by the husband she had left. The man who was supposed to help broker peace was either unaware of the danger or failed to prevent it.
Ibrahim remains at large. Police say the manhunt is ongoing.
According to Pulse.ng.
