Discovery of the Alleged Crime

A 25-year-old woman, Erdoo Ugede, has been arrested following the death of a two-month-old infant in Ankyoov, Ikyogbaji Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State. The victim was the son of a woman allegedly involved in an extramarital relationship with the suspect's husband.

The incident has sparked outrage within the local community, particularly regarding the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. Ugede, who reportedly has no children of her own, had reportedly invited the mistress and the infant to reside within her matrimonial home prior to the incident.

She is legally married to the man but has no child. When she learnt that her husband had a baby with another woman, she requested that both the woman and the baby should come and stay with her. Nobody suspected she had any evil intention.

— Anonymous Source, Community Member, Ankyoov

Circumstances of the Tragedy

According to local reports, the mother of the deceased infant had briefly departed for a nearby market on Sunday, leaving the child in the care of the suspect. It was during this period of absence that the fatal assault allegedly occurred.

Witnesses stated that the suspect used an object to strike the infant, leading to the child's immediate distress. The sounds of the infant's cries reportedly alerted residents living in the vicinity, who intervened before the suspect could leave the premises.

While the mother was away, the suspect allegedly struck the baby with an object, killing him. The baby's cries attracted neighbours who rushed into the house and caught her before she fled.

— Anonymous Source, Community Member, Ankyoov

Mob Restraint and Police Response

Following the discovery of the dead infant, the situation nearly escalated into extrajudicial violence. Angry youths within the Ankyoov community reportedly attempted to lynch the suspect, but were prevented from doing so by other residents who advocated for a legal resolution through the authorities.

Police officers from the Aliade Division were alerted to the scene and successfully took Ugede into custody. The prompt intervention of the law enforcement officers was credited with preventing a further breakdown of law and order in the community.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Benue State Police Command were not immediately successful. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for confirmation at the time of filing this report.