The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the investigation of two separate incidents of domestic violence resulting in death, which occurred in Madagali and Gombi Local Government Areas of the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the first incident reportedly took place in Pallam District of Madagali. 

According to the police, a confrontation broke out between two co-wives, Rhoda Anthony, 55, and Victoria Anthony, 36, who are both married to one Anthony Pallam.

During the altercation, Victoria’s 16-year-old son, Ijai Anthony, allegedly intervened and struck his stepmother, Rhoda, on the head with a piece of wood. 

She collapsed on the spot and was rushed to Cottage Hospital in Madagali by police officers but was later confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

Police have taken both the teenager and his mother into protective custody, and investigations are currently ongoing.

In a separate but similarly tragic case in Fotta District, Gombi LGA, a man identified as Idi Buba allegedly attacked his own father, Buba Jelli, stabbing him multiple times in the neck and back during a domestic disagreement.

The victim was also rushed to the nearest Primary Health Care Centre in Fotta, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect, according to police, was arrested at the scene of the crime, and the knife used in the attack has been recovered as evidence.

Reacting to the twin tragedies, the Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State, CP Dankombo Morris, condemned the rising trend of violence within families, calling both incidents "shocking and deeply disturbing."

He urged members of the public to always seek peaceful ways of resolving disputes, warning against taking the law into their own hands.

 “We call on the public to exercise restraint and resolve conflicts through lawful and non-violent means. These killings are not only criminal but also tear apart the very fabric of our communities,” CP Morris said.

The Commissioner assured that justice will be served, noting that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.