The Adamawa State Police Command has launched investigations into two separate domestic violence cases that led to the deaths of family members in Madagali and Gombi local government areas.
Police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that both cases involve allegations of culpable homicide within family settings.
The first incident took place in Pallam District, Madagali LGA, where a dispute reportedly broke out between two co-wives, 55-year-old Rhoda Anthony and 36-year-old Victoria Anthony, both married to one Anthony Pallam.
Nguroje stated, “During the altercation, Victoria’s son, Ijai Anthony, aged 16, allegedly struck his stepmother, Rhoda, on the head with a piece of wood. She collapsed on the spot.”
Police responded swiftly after receiving the report. The Divisional Police Officer of Madagali mobilised officers to the scene and transported the injured woman to Cottage Hospital, Madagali.
However, she was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
The police have since taken both the suspect and his mother into protective custody as investigations continue.
In a separate but similarly tragic incident in Fotta District, Gombi LGA, a man identified as Idi Buba allegedly stabbed his biological father, Buba Jelli, during a domestic dispute.
“The Command received a distress call that the suspect attacked his father with a knife, stabbing him in the neck and back,” the statement said. The victim was rushed to the Primary Health Care Center in Fotta but succumbed to his injuries.
Police arrested Idi Buba at the scene, and the weapon used in the attack has been recovered as evidence.
Reacting to the developments, Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, condemned the rise in family-related violence.
He urged residents to embrace peaceful conflict resolution and avoid resorting to violence.
“These acts are deeply troubling, especially when they occur within families,” CP Morris said. “We encourage the public to always seek non-violent ways of resolving disputes.”
He assured that both suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
