In a deeply disturbing incident that took place in the Aleto community of the Eleme Local Government Area in Rivers State, a 30-year-old man named Owate Bode is alleged to have fatally attacked his own mother after she refused his request for N20,000.
The harrowing episode unfolded on Saturday, leaving the community in shock and grief.
According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began when Bode asked his mother to withdraw N20,000 from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) using his card.
He claimed that he needed the money to purchase appropriate attire for a funeral, specifically for the burial of his late mother’s friend.
However, tensions escalated rapidly when his mother returned with only N10,000, falling short of his requested amount.
Frustrated by the reduced sum, Bode reportedly refused to accept the money, triggering a heated argument between mother and son.
A video that circulated online, capturing the aftermath of the tragedy, showed Bode being interrogated by law enforcement officers, his hands restrained behind his back, as the lifeless body of his mother lay in front of him.
He said, “The ATM card is mine. I gave it to her because I have a spiritual problem. I asked her to withdraw N20,000 that I wanted to buy cloth I will wear to attend a burial.
“She came back and gave me N10,000 and hid N10,000. I started reasoning about where I will buy cloth to attend the burial.
“I now left her. But she started insulting me that I should go and look for something to do like my mates.
“I asked her where will I go and look for work with the problem that I have. We have gone everywhere, even to a psychiatric hospital in Abia State.
“She kept insulting me in the kitchen where she was making food. So I became tired and hit her with a hoe.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect has confessed to the crime.
“Yes, it is true. The suspect is already in police custody and he confessed to the crime during interrogation. An investigation is ongoing,” she said.
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