A land dispute in Anambra State turned deadly on Monday evening when a 45-year-old man, Okwuchukwu Ezimuo, allegedly stabbed his relative, 65-year-old Joseph Dike, during a quarrel in Umunocha Village, Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The argument between the two men reportedly escalated until Ezimuo struck Dike on the chest. Dike collapsed and was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
Police operatives from the Nnobi Divisional Headquarters were alerted and immediately visited the scene. Evidence, including photographs, was gathered, and Ezimuo was arrested for questioning.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered that the case be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a thorough probe to determine the full circumstances of the killing. He also appealed to residents to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence.
This incident follows similar tragedies in the state, including the arrest of one Christian Ndu in February 2025 for allegedly stabbing his elder brother to death during a heated altercation. Police authorities have continued to stress the need for peaceful conflict resolution within communities to prevent further loss of lives.