A 21-year-old nursing mother, Maryam Muntari, has been arrested after allegedly stabbing her neighbour, Ahmed Kalo, to death in Idoji-Okene, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident reportedly occurred early Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at around 5:30 a.m.
According to residents, Maryam, who is married to a long-time neighbour of the deceased, had gone to Kalo’s house to return a jerrycan of water she had helped him carry. Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly turned violent.
Enezi Nuhu, a community member, told reporters that Kalo, 65, allegedly locked the door after Maryam entered his home and dragged her into his bedroom while threatening her with a knife.
“She was helping him with water, but he suddenly locked the door and forced her into his bedroom, holding a knife,” Nuhu said. “Sensing danger, she pretended to comply. When he let his guard down and dropped the knife to take off his clothes, she grabbed it and stabbed him.”
Neighbors reportedly rushed to the scene when they heard Kalo’s cries, but he was pronounced dead before help could arrive.
CSP William Aya, spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, confirmed the incident. “The incident happened at about 5:30 a.m. at Idoji quarters, Okene. One Ahmed Isah, also known as Kalo, was stabbed to death in his room by one Maryam Muntari, aged 21, of Idoji-Okene,” he said.
Aya added that the suspect had been taken into police custody for further investigation. “The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Reference Hospital for autopsy. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the killing,” he noted.
Residents described the incident as shocking, given the quiet nature of the community. “We have never witnessed such a thing here. Everyone is talking about it because it is both tragic and terrifying,” said one neighbour who requested anonymity.
The case has sparked conversations in the community about women’s safety and self-defence in domestic settings. Experts say that while taking the law into one’s own hands can lead to serious consequences, defending oneself against a credible threat is recognised under Nigerian law.
Maryam, a young mother, is reported to be cooperating with the authorities. Police have urged the community to remain calm while the investigation continues. The case has drawn attention to the risks women face in private homes and the importance of swift intervention to prevent tragedies.
The Kogi State Police Command has called for vigilance and cooperation from residents to maintain security and ensure justice is served.
