A quiet community in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, has been thrown into mourning after a man identified as Iseleto allegedly stabbed his 23-year-old son, Miracle, to death.
The incident, which happened earlier this week, has left residents in shock and disbelief. According to local sources, the tragic event followed a long-standing family dispute linked to alleged domestic violence in the home.
Miracle, described by neighbours as a calm and responsible young man, had reportedly rented a separate apartment for his mother. He was said to have taken the step in order to protect her from what he believed was ongoing abuse in his parents’ marriage.
However, this decision reportedly angered his father and led to a confrontation that ended in bloodshed.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect allegedly lured his son to a nearby bush under false pretences. It was there that he reportedly attacked him with a knife. Miracle was said to have died on the spot from his injuries.
Police authorities in Delta State have confirmed the incident. They said the suspect fled immediately after the attack and that a manhunt has been launched to arrest him.
A senior police officer in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to track down the suspect.
Residents of Osubi say they are still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“This is unimaginable,” a resident told reporters. “How can a father turn on his own son like this? The boy was only trying to help his mother.”
The body of the deceased has reportedly been deposited at a nearby mortuary as police continue their investigation.
Further details gathered from community members suggest that tension had been building in the family for some time. Neighbours claimed that there had been frequent quarrels between the couple, with some alleging that the marriage was troubled by violence.
It was gathered that Miracle, worried about his mother’s safety, decided to act. He reportedly used his personal savings to rent an apartment where she could stay temporarily, away from the family home.
Sources said this move was seen by his father as an act of disrespect and interference in marital matters.
In many Nigerian communities, family disputes are often handled privately, with children expected to stay out of conflicts between parents. Some cultural beliefs also discourage outsiders, including adult children, from intervening in marital issues.
However, changing social attitudes and growing awareness about domestic violence have encouraged more people, especially young adults, to speak up or take action when they believe someone is in danger.
Community leaders in Osubi have called for calm and urged residents not to take the law into their hands.
One local youth leader described the incident as “a painful lesson about the dangers of unresolved family conflict.”
He added that early intervention and mediation could have prevented the situation from escalating to such a tragic end.
The incident has also raised questions about anger management and conflict resolution within families. Religious leaders in the area have called for counseling and dialogue as better ways to handle disputes.
The tragic death of Miracle has once again brought attention to the issue of domestic violence in Nigeria.
Domestic violence remains a serious problem in many households across the country. It affects women, men, and sometimes children. In recent years, advocacy groups and civil society organisations have increased efforts to raise awareness and provide support for victims.
Nigeria passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) in 2015 to address various forms of abuse, including domestic violence. However, enforcement and awareness remain challenges, especially in rural and semi-urban communities.
In Delta State, as in many parts of the country, cases of domestic abuse are sometimes settled within families without involving law enforcement. This often allows tensions to continue without proper resolution.
Advocacy groups say that more education is needed to help families understand the dangers of unchecked violence and the importance of seeking help early.
A women’s rights activist in Warri, reacting to the incident, said the tragedy shows how deeply domestic conflicts can affect entire families.
“When violence becomes normal in a home, everyone suffers. In this case, a young man lost his life trying to protect his mother. It is a very painful situation,” she said.
She called on government agencies, religious institutions, and community leaders to strengthen support systems for families facing domestic problems.
Meanwhile, residents of Osubi have continued to mourn Miracle, remembering him as a hardworking and respectful young man with a promising future.
As the police intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect, many in the community hope that justice will be served.
The tragedy stands as a grim reminder of how unresolved family disputes and domestic violence can spiral out of control, leading to irreversible consequences. For many Nigerians, it also highlights the urgent need for open communication, counseling services, and stronger protection for victims of abuse.