In a shocking incident, Rev. Isaac Umurie, a respected Anglican priest from St. John’s Anglican Church in Okpare-Olomu, was brutally murdered by his 28-year-old son, Ufuoma Umurie, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The tragic event took place around 2:00 a.m. in Okpare town, located in the Olomu Kingdom within the Ughelli South Local Government Area. Rev. Umurie, who was on the brink of retirement, was attacked in his sleep by his son wielding a machete.
Following the fatal attack, Ufuoma allegedly pursued his mother with the same weapon, although she managed to escape unharmed.
Community sources revealed that this was not the first violent incident involving Ufuoma. Previously, he had assaulted his father, leading to intervention by local vigilantes. However, Rev. Umurie had pleaded for leniency, preventing his son from being handed over to the police. Reports suggest that Ufuoma suffers from mental health issues.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific nature of the attack, noting that Ufuoma used the machete to fatally injure his father by striking his skull and mutilating other parts of his body.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Otu-Jeremi Divisional Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command. SP Bright Edafe, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the incident and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, with appropriate legal actions to follow.
The community remains in shock as they mourn the loss of Rev. Umurie, a devoted priest who was nearing the end of his service.
