Man Hacks Brother to Death Over Witchcraft Accusation

A tragic incident rocked Umunwacha village in the Ofeh community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when a middle-aged man reportedly killed his own brother in a brutal attack.

The suspect, Mr. Nwalozie Chiwendu, allegedly attacked his brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, with a cutlass around 4pm, after accusing him of practising witchcraft to block his business success. Residents said the victim’s body bore multiple machete wounds.

The Youth President of Ofeh community, Mr. Chinonso Favour Chima, confirmed the incident and described it as “very unfortunate.” He recounted that the suspect fled the scene before neighbors could intervene.

“The younger one carried a cutlass and butchered his elder brother like meat,” Mr. Chima said. “We tried rushing him to the hospital, but sadly, he gave up before reaching proper medical care.”

The community has launched a search for Chiwendu, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands while ensuring the suspect is handed over to authorities.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident. CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police spokesperson, said the command has initiated a manhunt for the suspect in line with directives from Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.

“The suspect reportedly used a cutlass to machete the victim to death after accusing him of witchcraft that hindered his prosperity,” she said. “The body has been deposited in the mortuary, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect.”

Local authorities continue to appeal for calm as investigations proceed.