In Edo State, Nigeria, a tragic incident unfolded in the Afashio Community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area, where five young people, including a 16-year-old girl’s ex-boyfriend and his friends, were found dead after allegedly consuming poisoned pepper soup.
According to police reports, Aisha Suleiman, the teenage girl accused of administering the poison, had reportedly prepared the meal with a toxic substance that ultimately claimed the lives of her ex-boyfriend Emmanuel Elogie and four others on October 26, 2024.
The tragic discovery came to light when Emmanuel’s father, Elogie Ezekiel, visited his son’s apartment early that morning. He first found one victim, identified as Nurudeen, lying lifeless in the corridor. Upon entering further, he encountered the bodies of his son Emmanuel, Aisha, and two other friends, Samuel and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, in various locations within the apartment. After calling emergency services, all five victims were taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed they were dead.
The incident quickly triggered community anger and calls for immediate retribution against Aisha, who many in the neighborhood suspected of committing premeditated murder.
On October 29, authorities received word of an impending mob attack, as local youths gathered with the intent of lynching Aisha.
Edo State Police officers from the Jattu Division acted swiftly, arriving at the scene just in time to rescue her from the enraged crowd. The police took her into protective custody, transferring her the following day to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and investigation.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Joel Yamu, released a statement detailing the events, underscoring the importance of legal due process. Yamu explained that, while the community’s grief and outrage are understandable, the police remain committed to investigating the incident thoroughly, adhering to the rule of law.
The Police Commissioner, Umoru Peter Ozigi, echoed these sentiments, firmly advising against “jungle justice” and assuring the public that the authorities would leave “no stone unturned” in their efforts to establish the facts and motives behind the tragedy.
The incident has sparked widespread conversation online, where reactions have ranged from empathy for the grieving families to outrage over the apparent premeditated act by someone so young. Many have expressed concerns over the rising trend of violence among youths, calling for preventive measures in education, conflict resolution, and mental health resources for young people in Nigeria.
The motive behind the alleged poisoning remains unclear, as Aisha has not yet provided a full account of her actions or intentions. Police investigators are reportedly examining evidence, including any possible disputes or history of conflict between Aisha and her ex-boyfriend, that might shed light on the incident. As the investigation continues, the authorities have urged the public to remain patient, promising that they will update the community with any new findings as they emerge.
