Mrs Fatima Umukoro, the proprietress of His Majesty Group of Schools in Sapele, Delta State, has been allegedly killed by her 25-year-old son, Emmanuel Umukoro.

According to Punch, the tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, September 8, 2024.

The deceased was the wife of Rev Prince Umukoro, the resident pastor of Victory Family Assembly Int’l (VIFA) and a well-known figure in Sapele.

It was gathered that Emmanuel had been allegedly grappling with mental health issues exacerbated by suspected substance abuse.

Despite undergoing rehabilitation, his struggle with drug addiction persisted, leading to subsequent unpredicted violent outbursts.

Some of the neighbours who spoke to the publication, said the suspect hacked his mother to death with an axe and set her body ablaze.

Eyewitnesses said the gate of the Umukoro residence was left open around 10 pm, which was unusual. This prompted neighbours and passersby to check on the situation

“Only to discover fire coming from inside the house with the door left open. Upon entering the house, they found the lifeless body of Mrs. Umukoro, burnt beyond recognition,” the witness said.

“We saw her son, Emmanuel Umukoro driving out of the compound around 8:30 pm at a high speed in his mother’s car.”

The neighbours said that the suspicious movement of the son led to his apprehension by the police along Sapele-Warri Road as he (Son) attempted to escape to an unknown destination.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident on Sunday, September 9.

“The son is in police custody now but cannot say whether he’s the one that killed her until investigation is concluded.”