Katsina man stabs neighbour to death during washing line dispute

• The incident happened on Friday evening at the Ministerial Quarters near Fatima Shema Estate in Katsina metropolis where both men operated their laundry businesses in adjacent shops

A man simply identified as Aminu has allegedly stabbed his neighbour to death, the police in Katsina State have said.

The suspect, 35, who has since been arrested, killed the victim, Mallam Masa’udu, during an altercation over the use of a public washing line.

The incident happened on Friday evening at the Ministerial Quarters near Fatima Shema Estate in Katsina metropolis where both men operated their laundry businesses in adjacent shops.

Locals privy to the tragic incident said matters came to a head when both men got into a heated argument after Aminu reportedly prevented Masa’udu from using the shared public washing line.

The altercation escalated when Aminu allegedly threw Masa’udu’s wet clothes on the ground and stepped on them.

Efforts by other residents to ease the tension and pacify both men reportedly failed, as Aminu later armed himself with a knife, stormed into a nearby shop where Masa’udu had sought refuge, and stabbed him multiple times.

An eyewitness said the victim tried to flee after the first attack, but Aminu chased and stabbed him repeatedly. Masa’udu was reportedly stabbed at least seven times.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) responded to the distress call and rushed the victim to a nearby private hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains were later deposited at the Katsina General Hospital.

Aminu was immediately apprehended and is currently in police custody as the investigation continues.

Sources in the community revealed that the two men have been at loggerheads and do not see eye to eye for a long time. The said Aminu filed a legal case last year accusing Masa’udu of defamation and other allegations, which was later dismissed by the court for lack of evidence.

The deceased, a native of Kaita Local Government Area, was described as a long-time resident of the area and a father of six. He has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.