From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Tragedy struck the Angwan Kari community in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State as Mr. Williams Wasiu Jimoh and his wife, Mrs. Banke William Jimoh, were found dead in their home following an attack by unknown assailants.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 6, has left residents in shock and sorrow. According to the Keffi Zonal Coordinator of the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), Pastor Lee Ngbede who spoke to our Correspondent on Tuesday stated that the couple were known for their dedication to church activities.
“Brother and Sister Jimoh were committed members of the FCS here in Keffi. The situation surrounding their gruesome death remains a shock to the entire Christian body in Keffi and the state,” Ngbede said.
A family friend became concerned after Mrs. Jimoh’s father was unable to reach the couple by phone. This prompted a visit to their apartment by one of Mr. Jimoh’s colleagues, who observed a foul smell and flies around the back window. The police were alerted and subsequently forced the door open.
Inside, Mrs. Jimoh was found lifeless on the bed, with signs suggesting sexual assault. Her body was already decomposing. Mr. Jimoh was found near the door with machete wounds to the head and his hands tied. He was still alive but unconscious and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Keffi, where he later died.
An eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity described the scene as horrific and pointed to the possibility of a premeditated attack.
“The police said from all indications, the woman was raped to death. After that, her neck was slashed, and it was practically dangling,” the eyewitness said.
Some residents alleged that the crime might have been linked to suspected herders, citing a recent dispute involving the deceased woman. They also noted that the injuries were similar to those inflicted in past attacks attributed to herders.
Mrs. Jimoh was buried on Thursday, April 10. Her husband, who succumbed to his injuries days later, is scheduled to be buried on Wednesday, April 16.