A shocking incident in Cross River State has left residents of the Ekajuk community in Ogoja Local Government Area grieving, after a middle-aged man allegedly killed his girlfriend over claims of infidelity.
The suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, reportedly attacked his 26-year-old lover, Moshie Igu, in the early hours of Saturday at around 6:00 am. The incident took place on a farm in Nwang Village, where both were said to have been working.
According to sources in the community, a heated argument broke out between Ejor and Igu over allegations of extramarital affairs. The disagreement escalated quickly, with the suspect allegedly using a machete to attack the young woman.
A local witness recounted the horrifying scene: “We heard the commotion and noise and rushed to the scene, but we were unable to prevent the situation because he was already using a machete on her.”
Other residents said they tried to intervene, but the violence unfolded too quickly. “We could not do anything. We were able to hold him. Our youths caught him and later handed him over to security operatives,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Cross River, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said that the suspect was now in police custody and a thorough investigation is underway.
“The suspect is currently in custody, and a full investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Eitokpah said on Sunday.
He added that police operatives promptly visited the scene after receiving reports of the attack and that the suspect had been rescued from an attempted mob action by angry youths in the community. “He is currently in police custody for his safety and ongoing investigation,” the spokesperson noted.
The victim’s body has yet to be deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Ogoja, as arrangements are being made. Police officials said the case is being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a discreet and detailed investigation.
Residents of Nwang Village and the wider Ekajuk community have expressed shock and anger over the killing. Many called for justice and condemned the use of violence in resolving personal disagreements.
Community leaders have urged youths to allow the law to take its course instead of taking matters into their own hands. This follows reports that local residents almost confronted the suspect in a mob action before police intervened.
This case adds to growing concerns about domestic violence and gender-based killings in Nigeria. Experts say disputes over infidelity and relationship conflicts have frequently led to tragic outcomes when emotions escalate unchecked.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics and civil society reports, incidents of domestic violence in Nigeria remain high, with women disproportionately affected. Activists often call for more public awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and community-based interventions to prevent such tragedies.
The Cross River Police Command has assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to bring the suspect to justice.
“The investigation will be discreet and thorough to ensure that all facts surrounding this unfortunate incident are uncovered,” ASP Eitokpah said.
Authorities have also emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ongoing investigations, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Crimes of passion, like the alleged killing in Ogoja, underscore the need for conflict resolution mechanisms and public education on managing disputes in a non-violent manner. Experts say improving access to counselling and legal support in rural communities could reduce the occurrence of such deadly confrontations.
For the Ekajuk community, the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked anger and the devastating impact of personal conflicts when they turn violent.