Tragedy struck in Omu Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Saturday when a middle-aged bricklayer, simply identified as Lukman, allegedly attacked and cut off the hand of a 60-year-old woman, Muibat Abifarin, with a cutlass.
It was gathered that the attacker, who was said to be showing traits of insanity, also attacked two of his co-tenants in a bungalow at Orolodo area, beside Olomu’s Palace in Omu Aran.
Mrs Abifarin, who had her left hand severed from her body, was said to have been rushed to Ajisafe Hospital in the community while the other two victims with varying degree of injuries were also being treated at Omu Aran General Hospital.
It was learnt that no visitor was yesterday allowed access to Mrs Abifarin by the private hospital management as she was said to be recovering from the surgery performed on her hand.
A nurse in the hospital, who preferred anonymity, told newsmen that visitors could only be allowed around 6 pm when she might have fully recovered from the effect of the surgery.
She, however, described her condition as stable and that she was responding to treatment.
A student and son of the victim, Azeez Abifarin, said the incident happened around 10 pm on Saturday as the family was about to sleep.
“I think there was a kind of argument between Habeeb, my senior brother and Lukman over a dead goat being roasted by Lukman outside the compound which later degenerated and Habeeb was attacked with a cutlass.
“It was the gory sight of Habeeb’s condition that prompted my mother, who was about sleeping, to rush out and confront Lukman over the motive of the attack.
“It was in the process that Lukman again raised the cutlass against my mother’s head and she quickly defended herself with her left hand before the hand was cut off,” he said.
The father of the attacker told newsmen at the private hospital where Abifarin was receiving treatment that he was informed of the incident on phone immediately after his morning prayer.
“I was shocked when I saw the extent of the attack on the victims after I was informed on phone and I rushed to the scene of the incident.
“He (Lukman) was with me in my house a day before the incident and did not show any sign of somebody harbouring any evil plans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lukman has been arrested and detained at the Omu Aran Police Command.
The Divisional Police Officer was however not available during a visit by journalists to the station and calls to his line were not going through.
An officer in the command, who preferred anonymity, however, confirmed Lukman’s arrest, adding that investigation into the case had commenced.
