A middle‑aged mother of three, identified as Mrs. Chidima Arinze, has reportedly killed two of her children in cold blood at her home in Enugu State, in what police and residents are describing as one of the most disturbing domestic incidents in recent memory.
The tragic incident occurred at her residence, No. 47 Unity Road, Trans Ekulu, shortly after her husband had reportedly left for work.
According to neighbours, the woman and her three children were sitting together when she suddenly attacked them.
“The woman had three children – two girls and a boy,” said one neighbour who described her as well known in the area.
“So she woke up in the morning and three of them were sitting. Suddenly, she took up a knife and stabbed her son, the smallest of about four months, to death, and then turned to her daughter and stabbed her in the chest.”
The neighbour explained that the eldest child, also a girl, managed to escape and raise the alarm.
“Immediately, the first child took to her heel and called neighbours. The woman didn’t run away. Instead, before the neighbours could arrive, she had already called her sister to inform her of what she did. It was when the sister came that she called the police, and they came, took the bodies of the children and the woman away,” the neighbour said, requesting anonymity.
Residents added that the woman had repeatedly complained that her husband often stayed out and left the burden of caring for the family solely on her.
The Enugu State Police Command has pledged a thorough and sensitive investigation into the incident.
“We recognize the emotional gravity of this case,” a senior police official said. “Investigators are examining all angles, including the psychological condition of the suspect.”
Meanwhile, the Trans Ekulu community remains in deep shock and mourning over the loss.
“We are heartbroken,” said another neighbour. “Two innocent children are gone, and their mother is in custody. There are no winners in this.”
