Retired nurse, maid stabbed to death in Makurdi residence

A retired nurse, Mrs. Esther Amali, and her housemaid, identified as Mercy Mwuese, were fatally stabbed by a young man who intruded into their residence near the Federal Low Cost area in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

The incident occurred on Sunday around 4:30 pm, according to an eyewitness account provided to PUNCH Metro. The assailant reportedly entered the compound and attacked the housemaid, who was in her 20s, while the retired nurse was away.

There are conflicting versions regarding the motive behind the attack. One version suggests that the housemaid was allegedly impregnated by a rival cultist who had previously killed one of their members. Another version claims that the deceased’s housemaid had a dispute with the assailant due to his friend, whom she accused of being responsible for her pregnancy and the father of her child.

The suspected murderer had reportedly warned the housemaid on multiple occasions to stop associating his friend with her pregnancy.

The attacker scaled a fence to gain entry to the house when the retired nurse was absent. During the assault on the housemaid, the retired nurse returned home and discovered the commotion. Despite her pleas, the assailant continued stabbing Mercy until she lost consciousness, and then turned on the retired nurse, inflicting multiple stab wounds.

The attacker managed to escape before help arrived, but neighbors quickly arranged transportation to convey both victims to the hospital. Unfortunately, the retired nurse passed away before reaching the hospital. The remains of both victims have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. A neighbor has taken custody of the baby left behind by the deceased housemaid.

When contacted, the state command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, stated that she would provide further information but had not done so at the time of filing this report.