Brotherly Dispute Turns Deadly in Gombe Village
A domestic dispute in Lokulakuli Village, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, has culminated in a heartbreaking double tragedy, leaving the local community reeling from the shock of a violent familial conflict. The incident, which occurred on the evening of February 24, 2026, involved two brothers whose longstanding misunderstanding spiraled into irreversible violence, resulting in one death and a subsequent suicide.
Escalation of Violence Leads to Fatal Stabbing
According to preliminary reports, the altercation between Samuel Sule, aged 40, and his younger brother Musa Sule, 29, began around 9:00 p.m. on that fateful Tuesday. What started as a heated argument quickly escalated into physical aggression, with Samuel allegedly attacking Musa with a sharp object. The assault left Musa with severe injuries to his hand and back, necessitating immediate medical attention. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the brothers had been embroiled in a series of disagreements prior to this violent outburst, though the exact catalyst for the fatal confrontation remains under investigation.
Perpetrator Flees Scene, Then Commits Suicide
Following the stabbing, Samuel Sule reportedly fled the scene in a state of panic, only to return to his residence approximately an hour later, at around 10:00 p.m. Upon his return, he ingested a lethal dose of rat poison, specifically identified as Aluminium Phosphide. The toxic substance rapidly induced unconsciousness, and despite efforts to save him, Samuel was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Cottage Hospital in Bambam. This tragic turn of events transformed a case of aggravated assault into a double fatality, highlighting the severe psychological distress that often accompanies such violent episodes.
Medical Response and Police Investigation
Meanwhile, the injured brother, Musa Sule, received prompt medical treatment for his stab wounds and was later discharged from the hospital, though he remains traumatized by the ordeal. The body of Samuel Sule has been transferred to the Kaltungo General Hospital Morgue for further examination and eventual release to the family for burial rites. Local police authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is currently underway. Investigators are piecing together witness statements, forensic evidence, and family histories to understand the full context of the brothers' dispute and the factors that led to such a devastating outcome.
Community and Psychological Implications
This incident has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Lokulakuli Village, raising urgent questions about domestic conflict resolution and mental health support in rural areas. Neighbors and relatives describe the Sule brothers as previously amicable individuals, making the violent escalation all the more perplexing and distressing. Mental health experts emphasize that such tragedies often stem from unaddressed emotional tensions, economic pressures, or underlying psychological issues that manifest in extreme acts of violence. Community leaders are now calling for increased awareness programs and counseling services to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the police continue their investigation, the Gombe State community mourns the loss of two lives in a preventable tragedy that underscores the critical need for effective conflict mediation and mental health interventions in households across Nigeria.
