Melekie, Bong County — A disturbing scene that unfolded early Monday morning, a man, believed to be mentally unstable, violently assaulted another mentally unstable woman, only identified as “Ashawo,” in a shocking display of aggression.
“Ashawo” is another colloquial term used in Nigeria to refer to prostitutes or sex workers. It is widely used in various contexts, often with a stigmatized connotation. The term can also be associated with discussions about sexuality and relationships within Nigerian culture. This lady has lived in Gbarnga and surrounding cities, including Ganta, since the end of the Civil War in 2003.
An eyewitness, Murphy Flomo, reported that the incident occurred while residents were commuting in the area between Melekie and Gull’s farm. According to him, the attacker, whose identity remains unknown, was observed forcibly pulling the woman’s hair and inflicting significant harm, including cutting off a portion of her ear, which he then began to chew.
The report further stated that onlookers, comprising both men and women, were taken aback by the gruesome scene, with many frightened to intervene, particularly after hearing the man’s threatening words: “I can eat ‘Genah’, just leave me.” The presence of blood around the man’s mouth heightened the fear among witnesses, preventing them from attempting to restrain him.
Fortunately, the report indicates that a few brave individuals managed to stop the attacker, who continued to walk and speak to himself while consuming the piece of the woman’s ear he had earlier cut off.
As it stands authorities have not yet commented on the incident, and the community remains shaken by the violent episode. Efforts to provide assistance to the elderly woman and address the man’s apparent mental health crisis are expected to follow as local leaders are expected to respond to this alarming event.
