A minor dispute over ₦500 support money has led to the tragic death of a man, Ukoliko Samuel, in Okpare, a community in Araya, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The heartbreaking incident, which is currently being investigated by the homicide department of the Delta State Police Command, occurred on December 7th, 2024, and has left the community in shock.
The deceased, a man in his late forties, was a father of five and also a grandfather. The accused killer, Othuke Aaron, is a father of four. Both men were not only good friends but also fishing companions.
According to a relative of the deceased, Mr Nduka, the tragedy unfolded after Samuel and Aaron attended a party together with three other friends.
The group sat at the same table and were entertained with drinks. They also received ₦2,500 as kola support, which traditionally was supposed to be shared equally among the five attendees.
A relative recounted that: “When they got there, they were entertained with drinks, and they now supported them with a kola of ₦2,500. Ukoliko Samuel told his friend, Othuke Aaron, that he had to attend to some issues and would be back. Later, when Samuel returned, he discovered that the others, including his friend Aaron, had left.”
“Upon meeting Aaron, Samuel inquired about his ₦500 share of the money, explaining that it was his rightful portion since the gift was meant to be divided among the five of them. Aaron, however, claimed he had not been given any money to share and advised Samuel to ask the person who distributed it.”
“Samuel insisted that Aaron should have collected his share on his behalf, considering their close relationship and the fact that he had informed Aaron of his temporary absence. This disagreement quickly escalated into a heated argument and eventually turned physical.”
In the course of the fight, Aaron reportedly ran into his house, put on a ring, and returned to confront Samuel. He punched Samuel, who fell on the tarred road and lost consciousness. The relative described the horrifying aftermath: “His nose, ears, and mouth started bringing out blood. He was rushed to a hospital in Oleh, where he was confirmed dead. It was the doctor who called the Police in Oleh.”
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Aaron, who was among those who rushed Samuel to the hospital, was immediately arrested by the Oleh Police Division. “He spent four days at the station in Oleh before being transferred to the Police headquarters in Asaba,” the relative revealed.
Aaron has since expressed deep regret over his actions, stating: “I never intended to kill him; I didn’t know he would die. Even his fishing net is in my house.”
Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, said investigations are ongoing. “We can confirm the incident, and preliminary investigations are being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic death,” he stated.
The death of Ukoliko Samuel has left the community mourning the loss of a beloved father and grandfather. The incident has raised questions about how a disagreement over ₦500 could escalate into such a fatal outcome. Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that justice will be served.
