Man held over alleged attack on girlfriend and fatal assault on her mother

The Kadjebi District Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old farmer in connection with the killing of an 80-year-old woman in the Oti Region.

A police press release issued on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, said the suspect, Chalim Madzaton, also known as Peter Tano, was apprehended at a hideout in Kpaya, a suburb of Ahamansu, following an intelligence-led operation.

He is currently in custody in connection with the death of Dakolor Semaka, who is reported to be the mother of his girlfriend.

The police said the incident occurred on March 24, 2026, when officers received a report that the suspect had attacked his girlfriend, Yaa Tugbenyo, 55, and her mother at their residence in Mangoase, near Kadjebi.

According to the police, Ms Tugbenyo managed to escape during the attack but later returned to find her mother lying motionless on the floor.

Officers who visited the scene found the body of the deceased lying on her back with visible signs of violence. The scene was subsequently processed, and photographs were taken to aid investigations.

A medical officer at St Mary Theresa Hospital later confirmed her death. The body has since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Madzaton remains in police custody, assisting with investigations, and is expected to be put before court.

The statement was signed by John Nchor, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Public Affairs Unit of the Oti Regional Police Command.