Horror: Apprentice Allegedly Kills Employer with Pestle in Onitsha

A tragic incident has left residents of Onitsha in shock following the death of a businessman who was allegedly killed by his 18-year-old apprentice during a heated dispute.
The unfortunate event occurred on Sunday evening in Fegge, a densely populated area of the commercial city in Anambra State.

What Happened
Eyewitnesses said the apprentice, identified as Chiemerie and reportedly from Ebonyi State, allegedly attacked his employer, identified simply as Iyke, with a mortar pestle during an argument.
Sources within the community disclosed that the disagreement began after the deceased reportedly reprimanded the apprentice over alleged theft of money from the shop, drug use, and returning home late at night.
An eyewitness narrated:
“The 18-year-old picked up a mortar pestle from the kitchen and struck his boss on the head during the argument. The entire neighbourhood was thrown into confusion by the incident.”
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead due to the severity of the head injury.
Victim’s Background
The deceased was a prominent trader at the popular Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Medicine Market, regarded as one of the largest pharmaceutical and medicine markets in West Africa. His death has sent shockwaves across the trading community and beyond.
Police Confirmation
The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Monday.
According to him, the suspect has been taken into custody, while the pestle allegedly used in the attack has been recovered as evidence.
“Yes, the incident occurred on Sunday. The suspect is in custody, and the pestle used has been recovered. The employer had scolded the apprentice over alleged theft, drug use, and returning late at night. The argument escalated, and the suspect used a pestle from the kitchen to hit his boss on the head,” Ikenga stated.
The police assured that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court after preliminary inquiries are concluded.
Rising Concerns Over Apprenticeship-Related Violence
The incident has once again raised concerns over violent disputes within Nigeria’s traditional apprenticeship system. Community leaders and stakeholders are calling for improved mentorship, moral guidance, and closer supervision of young apprentices to prevent similar tragedies.
Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.