In a heart-wrenching account of tragedy and loss, ADEMOLA DAMMY delves into the harrowing experience of Rachel Zacchaeus, a 33-year-old nursing mother, whose life took a devastating turn when her husband, Zacchaeus Salawudeen, fell victim to a fatal attack by armed assailants in the Tudun Fulani area of Minna, the Niger State capital on February 27, 2024
It was an ordinary Sunday morning on February 25, 2024, when Rachel Zacchaeus, accompanied by her husband, Zacchaeus Salawudeen, and their three young boys, joyfully attended a devotional service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Minna. Little did they know that this would mark the final gathering they would share together. Zacchaeus, a dedicated Special Assistant on Photography to a government official in Niger State, would soon become the victim of a senseless act of violence.
Two days later, in the early hours of the morning, their tranquil existence was shattered as three young intruders viciously invaded their two-bedroom apartment in Tudun Fulani, Minna. Armed with knives, these assailants mercilessly stabbed Zacchaeus multiple times, extinguishing his life in a cruel and senseless manner. Their escape was cunningly planned, as they secured the doors of neighboring apartments with cable wire, ensuring no interference from concerned neighbors.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Rachel and her children were ushered away from their once peaceful abode by a compassionate church member, seeking refuge from the horror that had unfolded. Cordelia, a tenant in the same building, corroborated the chilling account of the attack, highlighting the calculated nature of the assailants’ actions. The fact that they targeted only Zacchaeus’ apartment lends weight to the suspicion of a premeditated assault.
Rachel’s anguish was palpable as she recounted the harrowing events of that fateful night. The attackers showed no mercy as they brutally assaulted her husband, callously ignoring his pleas for mercy. Even in the face of such terror, Rachel’s maternal instinct propelled her to shield their young son from the horrors unfolding before them.
The motive behind the attack remained shrouded in mystery, with Rachel expressing disbelief at the notion of robbery as the primary motive. Instead, she believed it was a carefully orchestrated assassination, orchestrated to silence Zacchaeus and cover their tracks.
Zacchaeus, remembered fondly as a dedicated professional and beloved family man, had made significant contributions in his role as a photographer. His sudden and tragic demise sent shockwaves through the community, leaving a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.
Despite assurances from government officials and law enforcement agencies, Rachel’s plea for justice echoed with desperation. Her world had been shattered, her sense of security irreparably damaged by the cruel hands of fate.
As investigations into the incident continued, the community remained gripped by fear and uncertainty, yearning for closure and justice for Zacchaeus and his grieving family. Amidst the darkness of tragedy, Rachel’s resilience and determination stood as a beacon of hope, a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
