Rivers househelp stabs employer’s daughter to death, takes own life

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a seven-year-old girl, Alicia Olajumoke, who was allegedly stabbed to death by her minder in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

Details of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, were scanty as of the time of filing this report.

However, it was gathered that the minder reportedly committed suicide after realizing the enormity of her actions.

Sources said the house help went to the school of her employer’s daughter, picked her up, and took her home before carrying out the act.

In a statement on Friday, the police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the toddler’s mother, Glory Joseph, reported the incident to the police.

Iringe-Koko added that the seven-year-old girl died before reaching the hospital, where the minder, who also took her own life, was confirmed dead.

She further stated that while the corpses of both victims have been deposited at the hospital, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID) of the Police Command for a detailed probe.

The statement read, “Today, 25th November 2025, one Glory Joseph, female, of No. 21 Okabia Street, Agip Estate, Rumueme, reported at the station that her daughter, Alicia Olajumoke, female, aged seven years, was stabbed to death at about 1400 hours by one Success, female, surname yet to be known.

“She (Glory) further said that the suspect went to the school of the deceased, picked her up, took her home, and stabbed her to death. The suspect also inflicted a stab wound on her own throat.

“The scene of the crime was visited, and photographs were taken. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. The suspect was also rushed to the same hospital and confirmed dead.

“The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy. The case has been transferred to the SCID. Preliminary investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.”

Cases of violent attacks on children by household staff are rare but not unprecedented in Nigeria, raising concerns about vetting and supervision of domestic workers.

In one notable case, a domestic worker was sentenced to death by hanging in 2023 for killing an elderly employer and her daughter.