The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Sunday Echege, for allegedly severing his wife Chinonso’s left wrist during a domestic dispute in Ibagwa-Agu Farm Settlement, Nsukka Local Government Area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the arrest and recovery of the machete allegedly used in the attack.
According to him, the suspect confessed to the act, claiming he acted on suspicion that his wife was involved in an extramarital affair.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect, who has confessed to the crime, claimed he acted out of suspicion that his wife was involved in extramarital affairs,” Ndukwe said in a statement.
The victim was initially rushed to Ketochukwu Hospital in Nsukka for emergency care before being transferred to Park Lane Hospital, Enugu, where she is receiving treatment.
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to expedite the investigation and ensure that justice is served.
He also urged couples to settle disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the incident followed a heated argument between the couple. During the confrontation, the husband allegedly retrieved a machete and attempted to attack his wife’s head. In an effort to protect herself, she raised her hands, leading to the severance of one hand and severe injury to the other.
The police called on members of the public to report similar cases and pledged to ensure the prosecution of offenders to deter acts of domestic violence.