Apprentice Kills Master with Pestle in Onitsha

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday February 15, at Fegge in Onitsha when an 18-year-old apprentice allegedly killed his master with a kitchen pestle, Global Mirror News has gathered.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect, identified as Chiemerie, attacked his employer, known simply as Iyke, following a heated argument over the apprentice’s alleged theft of money, drug use, and late-night absences. The confrontation reportedly escalated, culminating in Chiemerie striking Iyke on the head with a pestle.

An eyewitness told Global Mirror News, “The incident shook the entire neighborhood. Iyke was rushed to the hospital, but he could not survive. He was a trader at the busy Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Medicine Market, a major commercial hub in Onitsha.”

Global Mirror News reached out to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, who confirmed the incident. He said, “The suspect is in custody, and the pestle used in the attack has been recovered.

The confrontation occurred after the boss confronted him over repeated misconduct, including stealing and drug use.”

This incident mirrors previous cases of apprentices turning violent. In 2023, a 20-year-old apprentice in Ondo State allegedly murdered his master, Saviour Joseph, and disposed of the body in a well, according to police reports.

Authorities are urging traders and business owners to be vigilant in supervising apprentices to prevent similar violent incidents, Global Mirror News reports.