Mohamed Garba
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old housewife, Rabi’a Labaran, following a fatal altercation with her co-wife that ended in a brutal stabbing incident in Daura town. The confrontation, which claimed the life of 30-year-old Zainab Lawal, reveals the lethal consequences of domestic discord in polygamous households.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the tragedy unfolded late Saturday night behind Dadi Primary School in the Sabon Gari area of Daura Local Government. The victim’s husband, Nasir Yusuf, alerted authorities after returning from the market to find his first wife lying unconscious in a pool of blood, bearing multiple knife wounds.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) swiftly mobilized a team to the scene. The victim was rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Daura, but was pronounced dead by attending physicians,” DSP Sadiq stated.
Investigators later arrested Labaran, the second wife, who confessed to engaging in a violent scuffle with Lawal. “The suspect admitted that a domestic disagreement escalated into physical conflict, culminating in her allegedly stabbing the deceased with a knife,” the police spokesperson added.
Katsina Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, condemned the incident, urging residents to reject vigilantism and seek legal avenues for resolving disputes. “Domestic violence only perpetuates harm and erodes the rule of law. We implore families to pursue dialogue and lawful redress,” he emphasized.
The case has reignited concerns over domestic tensions in polygamous households across northern Nigeria. Authorities confirmed the murder weapon was recovered, and Labaran remains in custody as investigations continue.
Zainab Lawal’s body has been released to her family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while the suspect faces imminent charges. The Katsina police vow to ensure justice prevails, reinforcing calls for community peacebuilding to prevent future tragedies.
