Pregnant Woman Arrested for Fatal Stabbing Over Stolen Plantains in Rivers State

3rd February 2024

In a distressing turn of events, Blessing Godday, a mother of nine who is currently pregnant, has been apprehended by the Rivers State police command for her alleged involvement in the stabbing death of Mrs. Imeran Idema. RALD NEWS MEDIA reports that the incident unfolded on January 28 in Agada village, Abua, Rivers State.

The tragic episode transpired when Blessing, driven by the desperate need to provide for her hungry children, reportedly attempted to abscond with a bundle of stolen plantains. Mrs. Idema, responsible for overseeing the plantation on behalf of her family, confronted Blessing, urging her to return the stolen produce. However, Blessing, refusing to comply, made an attempt to flee the scene.

Tensions escalated into a heated argument, culminating in Mrs. Idema resorting to using a machete to stab Blessing in the leg, aiming to prevent her from making a successful escape. In a retaliatory move, Blessing allegedly wrestled the machete from Mrs. Idema and inflicted multiple injuries on her before leaving her injured and bleeding within the confines of the plantation.

Despite being promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention, Mrs. Idema tragically succumbed to her injuries. In a poignant twist, before her untimely demise, she was able to identify Blessing as her assailant and recount the sequence of events that led to the altercation.

Following a police report filed by the grieving family of the victim, Blessing was taken into custody. Despite initially being released for medical treatment due to her pregnancy, she was subsequently rearrested two days later, as reported by RALD NEWS MEDIA.

Confirming the heart-wrenching incident, Commissioner of Police for the Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Disu, stressed the need for individuals to carefully contemplate the consequences of their actions. He emphasized the significance of responsible decision-making, particularly in matters pertaining to family planning and livelihoods.

This tragic occurrence serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of effective conflict resolution strategies and the severe repercussions that can arise from resorting to violence. The incident underscores the broader societal need for empathy, understanding, and compassionate approaches to addressing the challenges faced by individuals, especially in the context of economic hardships and family welfare.