By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Niger
A peaceful village in Niger State has been thrown into mourning after a man was allegedly beaten to death by the former husband of a woman he intended to marry.
The victim, Muhammad Ma’aba of Fujeregi village in Gbako Local Government Area, was said to be planning to wed Fatima Suleiman when he was ambushed and assaulted by a group of men led by the woman’s ex-husband, Alhaji Yikangi, from Yikangi Chikan village.
Witnesses told Daily Trust that although Yikangi had divorced Fatima on three separate occasions, he refused to let her move on and had warned against her marrying anyone else.
The incident reportedly occurred between Saganuwa and Fujeregi villages, where Ma’aba was waylaid and beaten into a coma. He died while being rushed to the General Hospital in Lemu.
Confirming the development, spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the matter was reported on April 17.
“In the course of a disagreement involving Fatima Suleiman, a group led by one Alhaji Yikangi of Chikan village attacked Muhammad Ma’aba. He was severely beaten and became unconscious. Sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital,” Abiodun said.
He added that an investigation has commenced and efforts are ongoing to track down the suspects involved in the deadly assault.
Locals have described the incident as shocking, with many calling for justice.
“It’s tragic that a man would go this far just to stop his former wife from remarrying. It’s not just unlawful, it’s inhumane,” a resident who pleaded anonymity said.