Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a 32-year-old pregnant woman, Esther Godday, for killing one Imeran Idema at Agada village in Abua/Odual Local Council of the state.

The suspect macheted Idema to death, following a squabble over a bunch of plantain.

The Guardian learnt that the incident occurred on January 28, during an altercation between the mother of nine and the deceased, who had accused Esther of stealing a bunch of plantain from a plantation.

During the scuffle, Idema reportedly inflicted a machete cut on the pregnant woman’s leg as she tried to escape with the bunch. Esther, however, retaliated by macheting Idema on the neck and shoulder, resulting in her death, thereafter.

Confirming the incident, the state police command said the suspect, who married one Godday in 2010, has nine children and is in the eighth month of her tenth pregnancy.

According to the police, Godday has been unemployed for several years and hardly spent time at home, leaving Esther to care for the children. Also, none of their nine children are in school.

“On Wednesday, January 28, Esther left her kids at home and went to Agada village in Abua in search of food. Agada village has several plantations run by family groups.

“Esther discreetly entered a plantain plantation, quickly harvested a bunch, and made to go away with it. As she attempted to sneak past one of the exit points, she was seen by Idema, a family member on duty at the plantation. Idema, machete in hand, immediately accosted her and asked her to surrender the bunch,” the police said.

The police continued: “Instead, she bolted towards another exit. Idema ran after her. As she moved towards the fleeing woman, she threatened to use the machete on her. The threat made Esther stop running and face her.

“In the ensuing altercation, Idema landed a machete cut on Esther’s right foot. The suspect dropped the bunch and launched attacks with her machete, leaving two cuts on Idema’s head and shoulder.

“As Idema collapsed in pain, Esther quickly abandoned the bunch and left the scene. Members of Idema’s family, who heard her screams, came to her aid, took her for medical treatment, and reported the case to the police.

“Consequently, Esther was arrested, and after questioning, she was released to receive medical attention for the cut on her foot. She was rearrested two days later. When she arrived at the police station, she got information that Idema was dead.

“Esther has been charged to court. She expressed remorse and regretted her action, praying daily and wishing the deed could be undone.”

Reacting to the incident, yesterday, Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urged residents to think carefully before making decisions.

He also charged heads of households to procreate according to their means and live responsibly.

Disu, who also highlighted the dangers of responding to emotions, warned that a crime will always be met with justice regardless of the prevailing circumstances.