By Abigail Philip David
Tragedy struck in the Ijoka area of Akure, Ondo State, as a man set himself and his estranged wife on fire, leading to his death. The wife, however, survived and is currently receiving treatment for severe burns.
The couple, married for ten years with two children, had been separated due to unresolved marital issues. Efforts by the man to reconcile with his wife reportedly failed, prompting the fatal incident.
According to a statement shared by the Ondo State Police Command on its official X handle, the man had invited his estranged wife to his residence under the pretext of collecting an item. Upon her arrival, he pleaded with her to reconcile, but she refused. In a fit of desperation, he locked the door, doused himself and the woman with petrol, and set them both ablaze.
A police source, speaking anonymously, said:
“The man had been separated from his wife for some time but kept pleading for reconciliation. When she refused again, he resorted to this tragic act.”
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said, “The deceased had called his wife to come and collect a wardrobe. When she arrived, he locked the door, poured fuel on both of them, and used a lighter to set them on fire. He died on the spot, while the woman sustained serious burns and is undergoing treatment in a hospital.”
The police have launched an investigation into the matter.
