Posted by By FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa on
In a fit of anger, a 21-year-old boy, Dimie Werigbelegba has stabbed his immediate younger brother, Ebiowei, 19, dead following disagreements that arose over N4,000 rent collected on their late father's house.
In a fit of anger, a 21-year-old boy, Dimie Werigbelegba has stabbed his immediate younger brother, Ebiowei, 19, dead following disagreements that arose over N4,000 rent collected on their late father's house.
The tragedy occurred at Kilegbegha Compound in Kaiama, headquarters of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The two brothers who were orphans, were said to have always been at loggerheads over finances and running of the house since their parents died, with the deceased having the upper hand.
According to Daily Sun investigation, Dimie had collected 4,000 from a prospective tenant without giving out the room. This was said to have irked Ebiowei, who told his brother to return the money since he could not give out the room. It was learnt that when another tenant paid his rent, Ebiowei implored Dimie to use the money to pay back the prospective tenant from whom N4,000 has already been collected. Dimie reportedly turned down the suggestion, explaining that he wanted to use the money to pursue his admission into the Police College.
After unsuccessful attempts by Ebiowei and their paternal grandmother to make Dimie return the money, the late Ebiowei reportedly ransacked the house, stumbled on the money Dimie kept and went away with it for two nights, sleeping in his friends' house for fear of attack from his elder brother.
Daily Sun further gathered that when Ebiowei eventually returned home, he and Dimie were locked in a bitter argument with the latter locking all doors leading into the house.
In the heat of the argument Dimie, according to reports, brought out a dagger and stabbed the deceased in four different parts of the chest, neck, and stomach.
The cries of agony from Ebiowei attracted relatives who watched helplessly from the window as the deceased battled for life. After satisfying his desire, Dimie escaped through the back door, wielding a cutlass and threatening to attack the people if they dared move near him.
Immediately he left, frantic efforts were made to save Ebiowei who was rushed to St. Saviours Clinic, Kaiama where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Dimie was eventually caught by youths of the compound who bound his hands and legs, while the corpse of Ebiowei was placed on his laps.
Dimie broke down in tears on seeing the lifeless body of Ebiowei, lamenting that he did not mean to kill him, but that Ebiowei was the first to attack him.
Their uncle, Baldwin Werigbelegba told Daily Sun in Kaiama that he never knew the two brothers had disagreement over money until the incident occurred.
According to him, the incident was a sad one for the family. He said the family had handed over Dimie to the police to do whatever they liked with him. The family, he stressed, had nothing to do with him.
Another uncle, Chief P. M. Timitimi told Daily Sun that since the existence of Kaiama, a crime of such magnitude had never happened.
Investigation further revealed that there was no love lost between the two brothers. They were said to have always engaged in a superiority contest.
In Yenagoa where Dimie is currently being held, sources at the State CID said the police had interrogated him and were still investigating the incident.
Dimie has written a letter to his family in Kaiama, pleading for forgiveness and also begging that they should come and effect his release because of the hunger assailing him.