A minor disagreement over N500 has ended in tragedy in Okpare Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
A 45-year-old father of five, Ukoliko Samuel, lost his life following an altercation with his friend, Othuke Aaron, over money shared at a party.
The incident occurred on December 7 and has left residents of the peaceful community in shock and disbelief.
Samuel and Aaron had attended a party in the company of three other friends. As per tradition, a sum of N2,500 was shared among the five attendees at their table.
According to Samuel’s relative, Nduka, the deceased had briefly left the party after informing Aaron. He returned later to discover that the other attendees, including Aaron, had left without giving him his share of the money.
Samuel confronted Aaron, accusing him of not safeguarding his N500 share of the money.
“Aaron told Samuel that he didn’t collect any money on his behalf and advised him to approach the person who distributed it,” Nduka explained.
Samuel insisted that Aaron, as his close friend, should have collected the money for him.
The argument quickly escalated, and what started as a verbal disagreement turned into a physical altercation.
During the fight, Aaron reportedly ran into his house, wore a ring, and returned to confront Samuel.
Witnesses claimed that Aaron punched Samuel during the confrontation.
“Samuel fell on the tarred road and became unconscious,” Nduka said. “Blood started coming out of his nose, ears, and mouth.”
Samuel was rushed to a nearby hospital in Oleh, where he was pronounced dead.
It was the doctor at the hospital who alerted the Police in Oleh about the incident.
Aaron, who had also helped rush Samuel to the hospital, was immediately arrested by officers from the Oleh Police Division.
“He spent four days at the station in Oleh before being transferred to the Police headquarters in Asaba,” Nduka disclosed.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident and described it as tragic.
“We can confirm the incident, and preliminary investigations are being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the death,” Bright said.
The tragic death of Ukoliko Samuel has left the Okpare Community reeling.
Neighbours and friends described Samuel as a hardworking family man devoted to providing for his wife and children.
Aaron remains in custody as police investigations continue.
While the family of the deceased mourns their loss, many in the community are calling for swift justice to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
“We hope that the truth will come out, and justice will be served,” another resident said.
