- Safiu Kehinde
A 47-year-old man has reportedly killed his cousin during a fight over the refund of N1,000 burial contribution in Delta State.
The incident, as disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the state Police Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, occurred on the 12th of December at Ugheli South Local Government Area.
As recounted in the video statement shared on X, the suspect simply identified as Ezekiel was reported to have engaged in a brawl during a family meeting held after their arrival from the burial of a relative.
Dispute broke out regarding a N1,000 contribution refund which the suspect had demanded.
In the cause of the clash, the deceased victim who was attempting to intervene was hit by the hand of the suspect.
“This young man was dragging and bringing all down fire and brimstone that they must give him back his 1,000,
“In the process of dragging, he started fighting. Somewhere along the line, according to him, while he was trying to wriggle his way out of the fight, he used his hand to hit one of the brothers, a relative of his, who eventually died.
“Now, N1,000 argument has led to the death of a family member. He was being cautioned even by this very guy who eventually passed.
“The spirit that possessed him, according to him, would not allow him to listen to the voice of wisdom. The man who died is 42 years. Somebody has died just because of N1,000.” Edafe narrated.
While being interrogated, the suspect expressed remorse as he claimed that the death was accidental.
He admitted that several relatives, including the deceased, had pleaded with him to calm down.
“It was by mistake. I didn’t know when I hit him,” he said.
Ezekiel explained that the N1,000 in question was a contribution made for the burial rites, which is traditionally refunded to the owner after the ceremony.
“After everything, they always shared it. That’s how we return the money to the owner,” he stated.
The suspected sought the family’s forgiveness as he apologised over the incident.
Edafe urged the public to exercise emotional restraint even in the face of minor provocations.
“Mine is to talk to our listeners to understand the importance of controlling your temper. You have to calm down. Any form of fighting could lead to death. It can turn into manslaughter. It could turn to murder. Please, a word they say is enough for the wise. Prevention is better than cure,” The police spokesperson concluded.