WHY DO CHILDREN KILL THEIR PARENTS?

…A Complete Analysis With Lessons From the Recent Abuja Case

By Okey Goodluck Nwankwo

The recent arraignment of two children over the alleged murder of businessman, Adimike Godwin, in Guzape, Abuja has shaken the nation.

According to the FCT Police, the deceased was found in his home with multiple stab wounds. His own children are among those charged.

This tragedy forces every parent, guardian and community leader to ask: _How did we get here?

UNDERSTANDING PARRICIDE

In criminology, when children kill their parents, it is called parricide. It is rare, but it is one of the most disturbing crimes because it breaks the most sacred bond of humanity.

Such acts are rarely spontaneous. They are the end result of years of broken communication, untreated pain, bad influences, and missed warning signs.

MAJOR CAUSES

1. Family Conflict & Domestic Violence

Homes filled with constant shouting, beatings, humiliation and fear produce wounded children. That wound can turn into rage.

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that he does not become a monster.” Nietzsche

2. Mental Illness

Depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders impair judgment. Without treatment, a child can lose touch with reality and morality.

3. Greed & Financial Motives

Inheritance, property, and access to wealth have been motives in several cases. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10

4. Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Drugs and alcohol destroy self-control, increase aggression, and make small arguments turn deadly.

5. Social Isolation & Digital Influence

Many children now live more online than at home. They are exposed to violent content, cultist ideologies, fraud, and influencers who glorify crime. Without parental guidance, they copy what they see.

6. Weak Moral & Value Systems

When respect, discipline, and empathy are no longer taught, selfishness grows.

Igbo Proverb: “A child who washes his hands clean may dine with elders, but a child who forgets respect eats alone.”

A SERIOUS WARNING TO PARENTS

Parents, hear this clearly: _Violence in children does not start overnight.

By the time blood is shed, many signs have already been ignored.

Do not be too busy to notice your child.

Do not assume “my child can never do that.”

Do not cover up drug use, threats, or violent behaviour because of shame.

Silence and denial will not protect your family. Early action will.

WARNING SIGNS YOU MUST NOT IGNORE

– Sudden outbursts of violence or destruction of property

– Extreme anger, hatred, or threats toward family members

– Withdrawal from family, church, and school

– Drug use, secretive behaviour, or new bad friends

– Obsession with money, inheritance, or “who owns what”

– Fascination with weapons, death, or violent videos

– Signs of depression, hearing voices, or mental breakdown

HOW DO WE PREVENT THIS TRAGEDY?

1. Open Communication – Create a home where children can talk without fear
2. Mental Health Support – Take counselling and psychiatric help seriously
3. Conflict Resolution – Teach children to manage anger without violence
4. Digital Supervision – Know what your children watch and who they follow online
5. Moral Education – Church, school and home must teach respect for life
6. Fight Substance Abuse – Intervene early and seek rehabilitation

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela

CONCLUSION

The Abuja case is not just news. It is a mirror.

Children do not become killers in one day. Bonds break slowly. Pain builds silently. Help is refused until it is too late.

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”_ – _Aristotle_

If we want a peaceful society, we must start in the home.

With love, discipline, communication, and Godly values, we can raise children who protect life, not destroy it.

The time to act is now. Before the next headline.

Okey Goodluck Nwankwo is Ike Nibo, Anambra State.