Niger: Man hacks wife to death over hunger

50-year-old man, Bamaiyi Tanko has been placed in police detention after allegedly hacking his wife, Auta to death.

The Niger State Police Command arrested Tanko after murdering his wife of 10 years following an altercation caused by severe starving of food.

The police revealed that Tanko, who hails from Maigoge Village in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, threw the cutlass he allegedly used to kill his wife into a nearby bush in his bid to cover up the crime.

Disclosing what prompted his action, Tanko told newsmen that his late wife starved him of food for five days, adding that he attacked her in the heat of an argument.

“My wife was fond of not giving me food on time and when I complained, she would abuse me. She never gave me food each time I demanded it.

“She even asked my 10-year-old daughter to abuse me because I was asking for food,” Tanko said.

Having pleaded for forgiveness, Tanko regretted his action, saying it was the work of the devil and advised men to always keep their anger in check.

“I am sorry, extremely sorry for what happened; it was the work of the devil and I pray my in-laws would find a place in their hearts to forgive me. I regret all my actions,” he said.

The acting Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, Peter Sunday, said Tanko had already been charged to court.