Rising cases of killing for the sake of love raises concerns for residents of Okagwe, Ohafia in Abia State and other parts of the country
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
The quiet community of Okagwe Ohafia, Abia State has been shaken by a deeply distressing tragedy involving Sophy Chika, a nurse from Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state, a woman whose life was violently cut short in the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026.
According to eyewitness account, Edward Okorie from Isiugwu Ohafia, a man she has been living with for over three years at Okagwe murdered her in cold blood. What unfolded afterward has left the entire neighbourhood stunned and grieving.
The sad event has left resident grappling with disbelief, sorrow and anger as the case appears to be yet another devastating erupting of intimate-partner violence.
While investigations continue, neighbours and relatives have pointed to rising tensions in the relationship.
There are suspicion that the boyfriend acted out of jealousy, repeatedly accusing Sophy of “serving another man” and pressing her to reveal who the “typical” other man supposedly was. The unverified suspicion appeared to have spiraled into the violent confrontation that ended the lady’s life.
Residents of Okagwe Ohafia, Tentacle sources said have continued to express shock at the tragic incident. Many have pointed out how domestic tension when left unaddressed can escalate into irreversible tragedy. What once a couple living their daily life has now become a grim reminder of the destruction impact of jealous, possessiveness and unchecked emotional turmoil.
The spokesperson of the state Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, who confirmed the incident stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohafia briefed her on the matter.
According to Chinaka, the case has been transferred to the state criminal Investigation Department, Umuahia, for thorough investigation.
“Yes, the attention of the Divisional Police Headquarter, Ohafia, was called to it. Suspect has been transferred to SCID by the DPO”, she said, while assuring that the command has commenced an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A similar tragic incident has shaken residents of Amaji, village in Umuogoro community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, after a man identified as Abuche was arrested for allegedly killing his wife during domestic dispute.
According to sources, the couple has gone to their farm when an argument broke out between them. What began as a disagreement reportedly escalated into violence leading in the woman death, a mother of two children.
Witnesses said the situation drew attention when the victim was heard screaming for help. Her cries reportedly attracted nearby villages working in surrounding farms. By the time they reached the scene, the woman had suffered a deep cut to her throat. The woman, described as a mother of two was confirmed dead following the attack.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident, The Police Public nelation Officers, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko said the suspect has been taken into custody and that a full investigation has been ordered she stated that the Commissioner of Police has directed officers to conduct a thorough inquiry to ensure that justice is delivered promptly.
Community members have expressed shock over the incident, describing it as disturbing and heartbreaking Advocacy groups have also condemned the killing, calling for accountability and a transparent investigation.
The Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign (CBRAC) described the incident as the height of man’s inhumanity, unjustifiable and urged the police to ensure that the case is handled as a clear homicide matter.
The National Co-Ordinator, Prince Wiro said no circumstance unjustify the taking of a human life, stressing that the authorities must ensure justice is not only done but seem to be done.
A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment said the suspect reportedly to investigators that he did not know what came over him when the incident occurred.
As investigation continues, the community has been thrown into shock and mourning as residents wondered what could have led to the altercation. They remain despair, grappling with the reality of a life lost in what began as a minor domestic disagreement.
Again, the Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a woman in Umuahia, the State capital for stabbing her husband, an immigration officer to death over allegation of infidelity.
Reports indicate that what started as a domestic incident ended up claiming the life of immigration Officer serving at Abia State Command, Chidiebere James following a family misunderstanding with his wife in Umuihi, UmuogbaEkeoba in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state.
The shocking development has thrown the UmuihiUmuogba in Ekeoba Community into mourning, with residents expressing deep concern over rising incidents of domestic violence and aggressiveness on the part of married women all over the country.
An indigene, OkaiuguNkwoegwu said that Monday, February 16, 2026 was a “black Monday” in Ekeoba Ohuhu as darkness fell over the community in most painful way.
“A life has been cut short, a 36 year old man, A home has been shattered, a family has been left in tears, James Chidiebere is gone.
In a moment of confrontation, what should have been words ended in tragedy. He was stabbed with a scissors and just like that, a son, a friend, a brother, a neighbour was taken from us”.
He went on to say that no one ever expects a normal day to turn into their last. No one ever imagined that a misunderstanding could end a life. “The pain is heavy.
“The shock is unbearable. The silence has leaves behind speaks louder than words. Ekeoba and Ohuhu mourns, we mourn a man whose life ended too soon. May we learn to choose calm over anger and dialogue over violence,” Nkwoegwu said.
