A neighbour from hell has allegedly sent a 65-year-old woman to her grave. A minor feud resulted in fatality.
In the quiet town of Ipokia, Ogun State, a violent clash left one woman dead. Abigel Bankole, 42, allegedly killed her 65-year-old neighbour, Oladega Morenike, during a fight. The argument, which began as a minor dispute, quickly escalated into violence. Bankole reportedly pushed Morenike, causing the elderly woman to hit her head against a wall. She collapsed and later died.
The fight occurred at 4:20 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Bankole and Morenike, both of Isunba Street, had an argument that quickly turned physical. Bankole’s push caused Morenike to fall, hitting her head on the wall. She collapsed immediately.
Ibrahim Oladega, Morenike’s son, reported the incident to the police around 6:20 PM. “My mother was pushed, hit her head, and collapsed,” Ibrahim said. The police arrived, found Morenike dead, and took her body to the General Hospital in Ipokia.
SP Omolola Odutola, Ogun State Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident. “The suspect fled the scene,” she said. “Efforts are underway to arrest her.” The authorities removed the body to the mortuary in Ilaro for an autopsy.
A pattern of neighbourhood violence in Ogun State
This incident isn’t the first. Violence between neighbours has been on the rise in Ogun State. Disputes over property, noise, and other issues have turned deadly in several cases. Experts point to rising tensions and overcrowding as major factors.
Dr. Tunde Aluko, a criminologist, said, “Minor disagreements can escalate quickly, especially under stress.” He suggested that unresolved tensions may have contributed to this tragedy. Former police officer Kola Adeoye agreed. “Domestic and neighbourhood violence is increasing in Ogun. People often don’t know how to manage their anger,” he said.
A growing crisis of ‘neighbour from hell’
Neighbourly violence has been a problem in Ogun State for years. In 2022, a man in Ijebu Ode was arrested for stabbing a neighbour over a parking dispute. In 2023, a young woman in Ota killed her neighbour after an argument over a borrowed item. These stories highlight a troubling trend.
Adeoye explained, “These conflicts often go unchecked until it’s too late. We need better community conflict resolution.”
The community in Ipokia is stunned. Many knew Bankole as quiet and reserved. They never expected her to resort to violence. “She was calm,” said one neighbour. “It’s hard to believe this happened.” But another neighbour described her as a “neighbour from hell.” Another resident noted the increase in violent outbursts in the area. “We used to live like family, but now, there’s little respect between neighbours,” they said.
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