The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Jacob Irewa for allegedly dousing his wife with petrol and setting her on fire during a domestic dispute in Lokoja

The incident occurred at Oworo Estate in the Felele area of Lokoja, where neighbours reportedly rushed to the scene after hearing the victim, Berida Irawo, screaming for help. She was said to have been engulfed in flames before residents intervened and alerted the police

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, officers from the B Division Surveillance Team in Felele responded swiftly after receiving a distress report and arrested the suspect at the scene. The case is being treated as attempted culpable homicide

Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the attack followed an argument over clothing. Berida was said to have burnt some of her husband’s clothes, which she believed he no longer needed, an action that allegedly enraged him. In the course of the quarrel, Jacob allegedly threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and set her ablaze

The police spokesperson confirmed that the victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele. Medical sources described her injuries as severe, with extensive burns, but said she is under close observation

ASP Afusat stated that Jacob, during interrogation, admitted to setting his wife on fire. The command has launched a comprehensive investigation to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible prior reports of domestic abuse and witness accounts

Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the act, describing it as a shocking example of domestic violence taken to a brutal extreme. He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for violence in the home and urged residents to seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving disputes

The Commissioner assured the public that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, stressing that the command is determined to ensure accountability in cases of gender-based and domestic violence

The Kogi State Police Command appealed to members of the public to promptly report signs of escalating domestic conflicts, noting that early intervention can prevent tragedies and save lives