By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A tragic incident occurred in the Ukubie community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, last Monday, when a woman, identified as Madam Stella, drowned her six-year-old daughter, Rachael, in a moment of uncontrollable anger.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened after Rachael repeatedly ignored her mother’s warnings to stay away from the river. Despite previous scoldings, the child ventured to the waterfront again, prompting Stella to confront her. In a fit of rage, she allegedly grabbed her daughter and threw her into the river twice, leading to her untimely death.
The shocking event left the community in disbelief. Confronted by residents, Stella admitted to the act, expressing deep remorse.
“I regret my actions. I never knew it would happen this way,” she pleaded.
A relative, Jeph Nation, described the tragedy as particularly painful.
“I have already recorded two deaths in my paternal family in Ukubie this year. Each one has been heartbreaking, but this is the most devastating,” he lamented.
Viral Videos Capture the Aftermath
Videos circulating online show Stella surrounded by an angry crowd, speaking in the Ijaw language and confessing to the act. Another clip captures her sitting in a boat beside her daughter’s lifeless body as it is being transported away.
Despite the public outcry, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, stated that the authorities had not yet received an official report on the incident. However, it is expected that law enforcement will investigate the matter thoroughly
This heartbreaking event has sparked conversations about parental discipline, anger management, and child safety, with many calling for greater awareness and support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.