The Benue State Command Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), North central Nigeria, has arrested and paraded a 17-year-old woman, Nguemo Ikyowe, for allegedly killing her three-year-old stepson, Vanen Ikyowe, in Ginde village, Guma Local Government Area.
The State Commandant, Larai Bitrus, disclosed the arrest while addressing the media at the NSCDC headquarters in Makurdi on Thursday.
According to Bitrus, the suspect was apprehended on 12th September following a distress call reporting the murder.
“On receiving a distress call from the public, our officers stationed in Ginde village swiftly responded and apprehended the suspect.
During interrogation, she confessed to the crime, admitting to murdering the three-year-old boy and dumping his body in a nearby river,” Bitrus revealed.
She explained that officers conducted a thorough search of the area, led by the suspect, and discovered the lifeless body of the child, which was then deposited at a mortuary in Ginde village.
“The crime is classified as culpable homicide and is a serious offence against the state.
After the NSCDC’s initial investigation, the suspect will be handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution,” Bitrus stated.
During questioning by journalists, Nguemo Ikyowe, who is the second wife of the child’s father, claimed that she had been possessed by an unknown spirit at the time of the incident.
She explained that she and her stepson had gone to the bush to gather firewood when the alleged spiritual force took control of her, leading her to commit the crime.
The case has shocked the Ginde community, with many expressing outrage over the incident.
The NSCDC has assured the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and justice will be served.
The suspect is expected to face prosecution under the Nigerian legal system once investigations are concluded.
