A violent incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Ogbaru Road area of Onitsha, resulting in the death of a local artisan.
According to police authorities, a 17‑year‑old apprentice reportedly attacked his master during a disagreement at their workshop. The apprentice allegedly used a pestle, a tool commonly found in the workplace, to strike his employer.
The master, identified by local sources as a 50‑year‑old craftsman, was critically injured and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Neighbours and witnesses told reporters that tensions had been building between the two over work‑related issues.
A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the dispute escalated quickly and that bystanders were unable to intervene in time.
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The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the apprentice at the scene. Police spokesperson DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said officers secured the area swiftly and took the suspect into custody for questioning.
A preliminary investigation is underway to determine the motive and exact sequence of events.
“The suspect will be charged appropriately once investigations are complete,” the police statement noted.
“We appeal to the public to allow the law to take its course and not to engage in self‑help.”
Local community leaders condemned the incident and urged artisans and apprentices to resolve conflicts peacefully.
They also called for stronger conflict‑management practices within workshops.
The body of the deceased has been taken to the hospital morgue pending an autopsy, while the suspect remains in police detention as the case continues.
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