Woman Stabs Co-wife to Death in Katsina During Altercation
A tragic case of domestic violence has rocked the ancient city of Daura in Katsina State, where a heated altercation between co-wives ended in bloodshed.
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 25-year-old Rabi’a Labaran for allegedly stabbing her co-wife, Zainab Lawal, to death during a domestic dispute.
The incident occurred late Monday night in the family residence located in the Sabon Gari area of Daura, a town known for its deep cultural traditions and strong Islamic heritage.
According to reports, the altercation quickly escalated from verbal confrontation to physical violence, culminating in a fatal attack that left 27-year-old Zainab with multiple stab wounds.
The husband of both women, whose name is being withheld for privacy and ongoing investigation purposes, made the grim discovery upon returning home.
He reportedly found Zainab unconscious and covered in blood. Despite frantic efforts to rush her to the hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the arrest in a press briefing on Tuesday morning.
“Our operatives responded swiftly to a distress call from Daura and arrested the suspect, Rabi’a Labaran, at the scene. During initial interrogation, she confessed to the crime, claiming that a misunderstanding between her and the deceased spiraled out of control,” said ASP Aliyu.
He further disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the dispute may have stemmed from longstanding tension and rivalry between the two women, a not uncommon occurrence in polygamous households.
However, authorities have yet to determine what specifically triggered the fatal confrontation.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Daura General Hospital morgue for autopsy.
In a broader reaction, the Katsina State Police Command reiterated its appeal to the public particularly families in polygamous settings to adopt peaceful means of resolving domestic issues.
The command emphasized the growing concern over domestic violence and urged community and religious leaders to continue playing a proactive role in conflict resolution and family counseling.
“Violence is never the answer. We must learn to coexist peacefully and address conflicts through dialogue and mediation. This unfortunate incident serves as a painful reminder of the need for emotional control and the value of human life,” the PPRO added.
Local residents have expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic event, with many calling for greater community education on domestic conflict resolution and mental health support for women in polygamous marriages.
As the investigation continues, the community of Daura is left grappling with the aftermath of a fatal dispute that has now orphaned several young children and shattered a family.
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