Farm quarrel ends in tragedy as 19-year-old stabs friend to death in Gombe

By: Zagazola Makama

What began as a routine day on the farm in Kulani Chessi village, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, ended in tragedy on Monday when a petty argument between two young men turned deadly.

The police have confirmed the arrest of 19-year-old Mustapha Adamu, who allegedly stabbed his 20-year-old friend and co-worker, Yahuza Labaran, following a disagreement while they were farming.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the two young men had gone to the farm as they usually did, but at about 3 p.m., a heated argument ensued. What triggered the dispute remains unclear, but what followed was a violent attack that left the community in shock.

Sources said that in the heat of the argument, Mustapha drew a knife and stabbed Yahuza in the left shoulder, causing a deep wound that led to significant blood loss.

Upon receipt of the report, a team of policemen was dispatched to the scene. The victim was rushed to the Balanga General Hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor

The suspect was promptly arrested by the police and is currently in custody. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the act, saying he had no intention of killing his friend.

“I didn’t mean to kill him,” Mustapha was quoted as saying during his confession. “We were only arguing, and I lost my temper.”

The tragic incident has cast a dark cloud over the quiet farming village, with residents mourning the loss of a young life and calling for greater efforts to promote non-violent conflict resolution among youths.

Village elder Mallam Umaru Kalla expressed concern over the growing rate of youth violence in rural communities, especially among farm workers.

“This is not the first time a minor disagreement has escalated into something deadly,” Kalla said. “We need to start teaching our children how to resolve issues without violence. A knife should not be the answer to every disagreement.”

Police authorities have assured the public that investigation is ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion.

Farm quarrel ends in tragedy as 19-year-old stabs friend to death in Gombe

How security forces rescued eight abducted victims in Enugu

By: Zagazola Makama

For three days, Leonard Onyeka, his wife Onyinye, daughter Chiamaka, and five other victims lived in terror, held captive by armed kidnappers in a dense forest near the 9th Mile axis of Enugu State. But on Tuesday afternoon, their nightmare ended in an emotional reunion, made possible by the tireless efforts of combined security forces.

The victims, abducted on July 19 while traveling through a remote part of the Udi–Nsukka corridor, were released unharmed on July 22 at about 1:40 p.m., following a sustained manhunt by the Nigeria Police, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were freed without a ransom, as the pressure from tracking teams became unbearable for their captors, who eventually abandoned them and fled deeper into the forest.

“They could no longer cope with the heat from our coordinated operations,” said a senior police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They had no choice but to release the hostages to save themselves.”

The Onyeka family, visibly shaken but physically unharmed, were among the most affected by the ordeal. They kept moving us through thick forest, blindfolded and confused. Sometimes we heard gunshots and thought our end had come,” he said. “But we kept praying, and we knew help was coming.” Said one of the victims after rescue.

Meanwhile, security agencies have vowed to maintain their momentum and bring the perpetrators to book.

“We are following every trail,” another police source said. “This is not the end , it is just the beginning of justice.”

How security forces rescued eight abducted victims in Enugu

Shock in Enugu as mother allegedly murders two children in suspected mental breakdown

By: Zagazola Makama

The quiet morning calm of Unity Road in Trans Ekulu, Enugu, was shattered on Monday when neighbours made a harrowing discovery: two children, a four-year-old girl and her three-month-old baby brother, were found dead in their home, allegedly murdered by their own mother.

Zagazola report that the suspect, identified as Chidima Arinze, reportedly committed the act at her residence, No. 47 Unity Road, in what police sources describe as one of the most disturbing domestic incidents in recent memory.

According to a Police sources, the tragic event unfolded on July 21 at about 9:00 a.m. when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trans Ekulu received a distress call. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene.

On arrival, the operatives met the lifeless bodies of Esther Arinze, aged 4, and Chibusoma Arinze, aged 3 months. Both victims reportedly bore marks of violence, suspected to have been inflicted with a sharp object. The scene was cordoned off, and forensic photographs were taken before the suspect was taken into custody.

The children’s remains were evacuated to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT), Parklane, where they were certified dead by a medical officer. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

The suspect, their mother, was arrested at the scene without resistance. Preliminary investigation is currently ongoing at the Trans Ekulu Division, while the case is being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more discreet and comprehensive probe.

While police have not disclosed a motive, early speculation from community members points to a possible case of postpartum mental health crisis, though this remains unconfirmed.

“This is not something we’ve seen before in our area,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “She was quiet, kept to herself. No one suspected she was struggling with anything.”

The Enugu State Police Command assured the public that justice would be pursued with thoroughness and sensitivity.

“We understand the emotional weight of this case,” a senior police official said. “Investigators are looking at every angle, including psychological evaluation of the suspect.”

Meanwhile, the Trans Ekulu community remains in mourning, stunned by a crime that unfolded behind closed doors in one of its homes.

“We are devastated,” said a neighbour. “Two innocent lives gone, and a mother behind bars. No one wins in this situation.”

Shock in Enugu as mother allegedly murders two children in suspected mental breakdown