A traditionalist and Ozo titleholder, Ozoekwe Ezeudu, has died after allegedly poisoning himself following an attack on his first wife in Awka North community of Anambra State, 9News Nigeria reports.
The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on Friday at the family’s compound in Akamanato village. His wife survived the attack after she was rushed to a nearby hospital where she received medical attention.
Accounts gathered by 9News Nigeria’s Anambra State correspondent, who was present in Mgbakwu, alongside an account by Radio Nigeria reporter Uche Ndeke, indicated that Ezeudu had threatened to kill his wife and himself before the incident.
A close family friend, who requested anonymity, told 9News Nigeria that Ezeudu was a traditionalist and headed the Ozo titleholders in the community.
The friend further alleged that Ezeudu belonged to an occultic sect and, following unspecified confessions, had been directed to take his own life. This account remained a source allegation, with no independently established connection between the alleged directive and the subsequent incident.
According to the friend, Ezeudu had also complained about problems in his marriage, accusing his wife of keeping friends whom he blamed for disagreements within the household.
The source said the conversation took a disturbing turn when Ezeudu threatened to kill his wife and himself.
“I pleaded with him not to do such a thing and contacted his wife to discuss what he had said,” the friend recounted.
According to the source, the wife dismissed the threats, saying her husband was speaking under the influence of alcohol and would not carry them out.
The friend said he and Ezeudu spent time drinking together that evening before parting ways. As he left, Ezeudu allegedly told him that it would be the last time they would drink together.
An eyewitness account cited by Radio Nigeria similarly indicated that Ezeudu had disclosed his intention to kill his wife and himself but declined to explain his reasons. The witness said he subsequently alerted the wife, who did not believe her husband would act on the threats.
Later that night, Ezeudu allegedly attacked his wife with a knife, inflicting wounds to her neck and waist. Their children, who had been sleeping downstairs, reportedly rushed to intervene after hearing the disturbance.
According to the accounts, Ezeudu apparently believed his wife had died from her injuries. He then locked himself in a room and allegedly ingested a poisonous substance, leading to his death.
His wife was rushed to hospital, where she continued to receive treatment.
Ezeudu and his first wife had eight children together. He was also said to have recently married a second wife.
The incident left neighbours shocked, with residents gathering at the compound as news of the attack and his death spread through the community.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged sect directive, as well as its possible connection to the incident, remained unclear. A police account of the incident was not available in the material supplied for this report.
