A violent dispute over a payment of ten thousand Naira has led to a brutal attack and an arrest in Rivers State. A 35-year-old construction labourer, identified as Joshua, is now in police custody after he allegedly stabbed his site supervisor, Sopiriala Sokari, leaving him in a coma.
Heated Argument Over Payment Turns Violent
The incident occurred along the Obiri Ikwerre Road in the Ikwerre Local Government Area. According to accounts from the victim and eyewitnesses, the conflict stemmed from a job for which Joshua was hired. Sopiriala Sokari had contracted Joshua to transfer blocks to a construction site for the sum of N20,000.
Upon completion, Sokari offered to pay an advance of N10,000, promising the balance after confirming the work. Joshua reportedly refused this arrangement and demanded the full payment immediately. The disagreement escalated when Joshua later confronted Sokari, who was eating at a location along the same road.
Bottle Used as Weapon in Brutal Assault
Despite a bystander's attempt to defuse the situation, the encounter turned deadly. "The next thing, he went and broke a bottle," Sokari recounted from his hospital bed. He explained that a woman selling nearby, alarmed by Joshua's aggressive mood, even brought out N20,000 and gave it to him in an effort to calm him down.
Shockingly, after accepting the full payment, Joshua still proceeded to attack. "After taking the money from the woman, he still used the bottle and stabbed me," the victim stated. The assault left Sokari with severe injuries, and he was rushed to the Cottage Solution Hospital in Mbodo Aluu, where he later regained consciousness.
Victim Seeks Justice, Police Launch Probe
Sopiriala Sokari is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. In a plea made from his sickbed, he called on the public for assistance, stating, "I have spent a lot of money. I need justice." The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the development.
Joshua has been arrested and is being detained at the Boundary Police Division in Aluu. Authorities have assured the public that an in-depth investigation into the matter is underway to ascertain the full facts surrounding the violent altercation.
