A 70-year-old resident of Eziama village in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, located in the South East region of Nigeria, identified as Theophilus Ede, fatally shot his 27-year-old son for consuming the remaining cooked food in their household.
In a widely circulated video capturing the incident, witnesses identified the perpetrator as Cosmos Ude’s father.
The video depicts Theophilus Ede restrained with his hands and legs bound, lying beside the lifeless body of his son.
Onlookers expressed outrage and condemnation, labeling him as cruel and heartless for resorting to such extreme measures over a simple meal.
Upon inquiry, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Chinaka Chioma Maureen, confirmed the tragic event.
The suspect was apprehended and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further examination.
According to Maureen, the incident occurred on February 26, 2024, at approximately 3:45 pm, as reported to the Isiochi Divisional headquarters.
The victim, Sunday Ede, was fatally shot by his father, Theophilus Ede, prompting swift action by law enforcement.
Following the incident, there have been calls from activists and lawmakers urging the Nigerian government, led by Bola Tinubu, to consider legalizing and regulating firearm ownership and usage in the country.
Proponents argue that the current police-to-population ratio in Nigeria is inadequate, leaving citizens vulnerable to various threats, including terrorism, herder conflicts, and criminal violence.
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Opponents of firearm legalization counter that such a move would likely lead to increased misuse of firearms and exacerbate the already prevalent violence and crime in Nigeria.
They highlight concerns about public safety and the potential for firearms to fall into the wrong hands, posing greater risks to communities across the nation.
(SaharaReporters)
