A tragic incident occurred on Friday, in the Ijoka area of Akure, Ondo State, when a yet-to-be-identified man set himself and his estranged wife on fire. While the man died in the inferno, his wife survived and is currently receiving treatment for severe burns.
Marital Issues Lead to Tragedy
The couple, married for 10 years and parents to two children, had been separated for some time due to unresolved marital issues. According to reports, the husband had been pleading with his wife to reconcile, but she had consistently declined.
On the fateful day, the man invited his estranged wife to his residence under the pretext of picking up a wardrobe. Upon her arrival, he renewed his pleas for reconciliation. When she stood firm in her decision, the man locked the door, doused them both in petrol, and set them on fire using a lighter.
Police Confirm Incident
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident through a statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle. A police source revealed that the man’s actions stemmed from frustration over his wife’s refusal to reunite with him.
Speaking on the matter, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, provided further details. She said:
“They were married and, along the way, had issues that caused them to stay apart. The deceased asked his wife to come over and collect a wardrobe. When she arrived, he began threatening to kill himself but later locked the door so that both of them would die together. Using fuel and a lighter, he set himself and the woman ablaze. He died on the spot, while the woman suffered major burns.”
Current Status
The wife is presently hospitalized and receiving medical attention, while the police have launched an investigation into the incident.
This devastating occurrence highlights the importance of addressing mental health and seeking help during periods of emotional distress to avoid tragic outcomes.
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