Man sets wife ablaze in Edo

There was pandemonium on J. B. Street in Benin, the Edo State capital, when a middle aged man, identified as Onya, reportedly set fire on his wife, after a disagreement over her father’s burial.

It was gathered that an argument had ensued between the couple over Onya’s alleged refusal to attend his father in-law’s funeral.

According to a source, although the burial rites of the father in-law had been concluded, the disagreement continued to linger. It was learnt that tragedy struck last Saturday when the enraged suspect allegedly pour petrol on his wife and set her ablaze, leaving her with severe burns.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Osifo Abiodun, were unsuccessful.

But it was learnt that the suspect was later arrested by the police.

 Margaret, who is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, alleged that her husband had threatened to teach her a lesson after the argument.

She also said that he allegedly carried out the act in spite of her pleas.

“We had a quarrel and my husband was telling me he will teach me a lesson. After the quarrel, I sat on the chair and my husband was gazing towards one direction.

“He later stood up, brought petrol and wanted to pour it on me. I immediately held the container and we were dragging it while I was shouting for help from neighbours.

“Before I knew it, he turned the petrol in a bucket, poured it on me and lit a matchstick. It was my neighbour who rushed into our apartment that put off the fire on me with water.”

Source: Punch Ng