A tragic and shocking incident of a man has gripped the people of Ikot Inyang Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following the arrest of a man accused of murdering his own mother. The suspect, identified as Alexander Peter, allegedly hacked his 71-year-old mother, Mrs. Atiny Peter, to death using a machete.
The gruesome crime, which occurred earlier this month, was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, during a press briefing held at the State Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Thursday.
According to the police, the man was arrested on June 10, shortly after the brutal act was committed. Law enforcement officials have launched a full-scale investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the homicide, including the motive behind the heinous crime.
“The gruesome incident occurred in Ikot Inyang Village, Oruk Anam LGA, where the suspect reportedly used a machete to hack his mother to death,” said CP Azare. “Investigations are ongoing to determine what led the man to commit such a disturbing act.”
The news of the murder has sent shockwaves through the local community, where residents are still struggling to come to terms with the fact that a man would kill his own elderly mother. According to eyewitness reports and local sources, Mrs. Atiny Peter was well known in the village and regarded as a quiet, respected figure.
Community leaders and residents expressed dismay at the violent nature of her death and have called for justice to be served swiftly. “It is unthinkable,” said one resident. “A man killing his own mother? The whole village is in mourning and disbelief.”
While the suspect remains in police custody, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspect had any history of mental illness or domestic conflict with the victim, though these lines of inquiry are being explored.
Police Say Man Used Machete to Hack Elderly Mother to Death in Oruk Anam LGA
The police commissioner emphasized the seriousness with which the command is treating the case. “We are committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring that justice is served. No one is above the law, and such acts of brutality will not go unpunished in Akwa Ibom State,” Azare stated.
It remains unclear whether the suspect has legal representation at this stage. A preliminary court appearance is expected once the investigation concludes and formal charges are filed.
During the same press briefing, CP Azare revealed that the murder case is just one among several recent criminal incidents tackled by the Akwa Ibom Police Command. Over the past six weeks, police have arrested 54 suspects in connection with various criminal offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to domestic violence and unlawful possession of weapons.
In addition, law enforcement officials recovered over 50 firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition during raids and stop-and-search operations across the state.
“We have intensified our efforts to maintain public safety and reduce crime across all communities in Akwa Ibom,” said CP Azare. “Our operations are yielding significant results.”
While the motive behind the alleged matricide remains unknown, the case has reignited public conversations around mental health, family conflict, and the need for stronger social support systems in rural communities. Experts have called on authorities to prioritize mental health services and create more accessible avenues for counseling and conflict resolution.
“Acts like these are not just criminal, they are symptomatic of deeper societal issues,” said a local psychologist who preferred to remain anonymous. “A man doesn’t just wake up one day and murder his mother without a history of psychological distress or unresolved conflict.”
Advocacy groups are urging the government to invest in community-based interventions, including public awareness campaigns and stronger ties between law enforcement and social services.
As police continue their investigation, the man identified as Alexander Peter remains in custody, and updates are expected in the coming days regarding the official charges and court proceedings. For now, the people of Ikot Inyang Village are left mourning the loss of one of their own — a mother whose life ended in violence allegedly at the hands of the son she raised.
Police have called on anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, assuring the public of protection and confidentiality.
Source- Punch