Police in New Orleans, United States, have arrested a 27-year-old Nigerian man, Chukwuebuka Eweni, in connection with a stabbing incident that resulted in the death of his father and injuries to two of his sisters.
Family members told WWL Louisiana, a local newspaper, that Eweni had a history of an undisclosed mental illness but had not displayed violent behaviour until last Tuesday. They said the evening began as an ordinary one before Eweni allegedly grabbed a knife and attacked his father, Samuel, and his two sisters. They added that they did not know what triggered the attack.
Samuel, who served as a professor of computer sciences at Southern University, New Orleans, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. The institution’s chancellor, Joseph Bouie, described Samuel as “a mentor and a guiding light” to many students.
One of Eweni’s sisters was discharged from the hospital after treatment, while the other remained under medical care as of last Wednesday but was also expected to survive. The injuries left both siblings receiving support from family and medical personnel.
Relatives said that after the stabbing, they learned that Eweni went to New Orleans East Hospital, where he often checked himself in for mental support, to seek help. The hospital, reportedly unaware of the crime, transferred him to another facility in Jefferson Parish as part of routine procedure.
Police tracked him to the second facility the following morning after securing an arrest warrant. Authorities stated that Eweni was wanted on one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Police added that he is currently undergoing evaluation at a medical facility.
Tributes for the deceased professor have continued to pour in across social media. One sympathiser, Emem Akpabio, wrote on Facebook, “Just got notified that my very first client, and loving father of three whom I obtained sole custody of his kids some 8 years ago, passed away and was found in his truck somewhere in Texas.”
Another Facebook user, who identified herself as an acquaintance, Josely Pueten, wrote, “I just received a phone call about him. He was one of our tenants here in Arlington. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I know I got that call for a reason. I’m so sorry for his passing.”
A similar message was shared by another user, Aboukia Fessibay, who wrote, “Bode has gone too soon; so sad to see this of his passing to the great beyond. May God be with his children and the rest of his beloved family and friends.”
The incident adds to the growing number of tragic cases involving Nigerians overseas.
