A woman allegedly set ablaze by her husband in Lokoja, Kogi State, has appealed for him to be forgiven, even as he remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted culpable homicide.

The victim, identified as Mrs Berida Irawo, was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire by her husband, Jacob Irawo, after a domestic dispute at their residence in Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.

According to police sources cited in local reports, the quarrel began after Berida burnt some of her husband’s clothes, which she believed he no longer needed. The act, carried out without his permission, allegedly triggered a violent reaction. Investigators say Jacob fetched petrol from his motorcycle and used it to set his wife on fire, leaving her with severe burns.

The Kogi State Police Command later arrested Jacob and opened an investigation into the attack. Officers described the case as a serious domestic violence incident and confirmed that the suspect would undergo further questioning and possible mental evaluation.

From her hospital bed, however, Berida has asked that her husband be shown mercy. Her plea was relayed by Pastor John Esiga Abu, who visited her in hospital and spoke with both her and her family.

Abu said the victim was in stable condition and responding to treatment, adding that doctors were hopeful she would be discharged after further care. He also moved to correct reports circulating online that Jacob was a pastor, stating that he is in fact a schoolteacher and only a church member, not a clergyman.

The cleric described Jacob’s initial behaviour after the incident as disoriented and incoherent, suggesting that a professional mental health assessment was necessary. He said the suspect later appeared to regain his senses and seemed confused about what had happened to his wife.

Despite the gravity of the attack, Abu said Berida had clearly expressed a desire that her husband be forgiven. He recommended that any forgiveness be accompanied by a period of separation and rehabilitation, stressing the need to protect the victim while addressing the underlying issues that led to the violence.

The case has reignited concern over domestic violence and emotional instability in homes, with calls for greater vigilance, counseling, and early intervention in troubled relationships.