The birth of little Etimbuk heralded joy in the family and communities of Udung Otong, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. But the joy in less than three weeks was reversed to sadness as the half brother of the baby
, Nathaniel John 27, used a machete to chop off the infant’s right arm.
The half brother, Nathaniel, who is based in Calabar but frequently visits home often to vent his anger and frustration on family members, did not waste time to make the little boy his next victim. Mrs. Enobong John told newsmen that the little child was asleep after breastfeeding in the morning of Tuesday, September 27, while she was in the kitchen to handle a few domestic chores.
“I heard the child crying, I thought it was the usual cry of children who needed to be cuddled, but his yelling became even louder. But within a few moments his brother, Israel, ran to me raising alarm which bewildered every one. I ran into the room only to see blood spilled all over the room; my son’s arm was cut off with blood all over his body and the beddings …” Mrs Enobong lamented.
The baby was immediately rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) where he is said to be receiving treatment. The mother who sells firewood in the local markets told this reporter that her husband has since retired from work and was bedridden due to ill-health.
A senior Doctor of the Orthopedic Unit of the UUTH, who merely gave his name as Dr Nortich, said the baby’s health will be okay when given appropriate treatment, but refused to comment on the possibility of rejoining his arm.
Commenting on the matter, the Police Public Relation Officer of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Oyenka Orji said the matter was under investigation by the police. On whether the suspect was a mentally retarded person as speculated, he maintained that the police will only rely on medical report from a qualified doctor to ascertain his mental status.
It was gathered that no sooner had he committed the crime than he took to his heels. But speculations were rife that some able-bodied youth who went after him later apprehended him and sent him to his early grave.