A man in Akwa Ibom State set his wife and three children ablaze after accusing his wife of being adulterous. The assault happened in Ikot Ekpene, leaving the community in deep shock and grief.
Witnesses say that the man had sprinkled his wife and kids with petrol while they were sleeping and then torched them. People rushed to the house when screams were heard and heard sounds of smoke. They managed to save the family, but one of the daughters died of burns from injuries.
The other two children and the wife are also receiving treatment in the hospital. The children claim that they are critical and recovering from serious injuries.
Flashback:
Domestic violence cases have also been on the rise in Nigeria. In 2023, the cases occurred in Lagos and Delta States, where infuriated spouses attacked their family members in the process of recovering from a disagreement. The majority of them ended in death or incapacitating injuries.
The man’s arrest was confirmed by the local police. He is under arrest and will face charges once the investigations are completed. The community members described him as being quiet but emotionally unstable. The neighbors reported that there had been long-standing problems between the couple.
Human rights campaigners have condemned the act and urged stronger laws against domestic violence. They are urging the government to move to rescue women and children from violent families.
On the whole, this horrific case is a reminder of the risks posed by unresolved anger and violence at home. Quite a number are now crying out for mental health counseling, education, and swift justice in order to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
