Tragedy struck in Enugu State after a mother of three, identified as Mrs. Chidima Arinze, allegedly killed two of her children in what neighbors have described as an act driven by severe domestic frustration.
The heartbreaking incident reportedly occurred on Monday at the family’s residence located at No. 47 Unity Road, near the Abakpa timber market in Enugu East Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the woman, who appeared calm at the time, was seated with her three children shortly after her husband left for work. Suddenly, she allegedly picked up a knife and fatally stabbed her four-month-old son, then turned on her daughter, stabbing her in the chest.
The eldest child, a girl, managed to escape and alerted neighbors. Before they could arrive, the woman reportedly called her sister to confess her actions. Upon arrival, the sister contacted the police, who quickly responded to the scene.
A neighbor who spoke under the condition of anonymity said, “She didn’t try to run. She calmly waited after calling her sister. When the police came, they found the children already dead.”
Sources close to the family revealed that the suspect had been distressed for some time, complaining about her husband’s frequent absences and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for the children alone.
Police officers from the Trans-Ekulu Division, who responded to the distress call around 9 a.m. on July 21, confirmed the deaths. According to one officer, the lifeless bodies of four-year-old Esther Arinze and her infant brother, Chibusoma Arinze, were discovered with visible stab wounds.
“The area was immediately secured, and crime scene photos were taken. The suspect was taken into custody without resistance,” the officer stated.
The children’s remains were taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT), Parklane, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
Although the Enugu State Police Command has not issued an official statement, authorities say that preliminary investigations are underway at the Trans-Ekulu Division, with the case expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.
