A 43-year-old clergyman, identified as Jacob Irewa, has allegedly set his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following a domestic dispute in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The incident, which occurred at Oworo Estate in the Felele area of the city, has sparked outrage, with residents and members of the victim’s family demanding justice.
The incident has left residents of Oworo Estate and surrounding communities in shock, as the couple had reportedly been married for four years.
Arise News gathered that angry youths in the area attempted to lynch the suspect following the incident, but local vigilantes intervened and took him to a secure location before the arrival of the police.
Speaking to Arise News while in police custody, the suspect attributed his actions to temptation and the influence of the devil, pleading with his wife’s family for forgiveness.
“I never knew what came over me. I have been praying to overcome temptation like this. What actually happened was that my wife burnt my clothes, and I asked her why she did it. She was not remorseful. That was why I went to my motorcycle, fetched petrol and poured it on her while she was cooking. Please, they should forgive me.”
The victim, Berida Irawo, who sustained severe burns, is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Felele. She also recounted her ordeal, explaining that she had burnt her husband’s worn-out clothes after repeatedly asking him to stop wearing them.
“I burnt my husband’s clothes because they were worn out. I had appealed to him before then to stop wearing them because I wanted him to always look good, but he refused. When he noticed that I had burnt them, he became very angry. I pleaded with him not to be angry.
“I was shocked when he started chasing me, and I fell down. He rushed to his motorcycle and fetched fuel from it. I was cooking, and when I went to check my food, he poured the fuel on my body, set me on fire and I got burnt.”
The victim’s uncle, Samuel Morito, called for justice and appropriate sanctions against the suspect.
“All we want is justice for our daughter. Just look at the way her husband wanted to damage her life.”
The founder of Euaggelion Christian Centre, who spoke from a religious perspective, also condemned the alleged act, saying violence against a spouse was contrary to Christian teachings, which promote love, forgiveness and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat Oyiza, said in a statement that the police had arrested Jacob Irewa in connection with an alleged attempted culpable homicide involving his wife at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., when the B Division Surveillance Team in Felele received a report and immediately mobilised to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident followed a domestic disagreement after the victim burnt some of the suspect’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using, without his permission. The suspect subsequently threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her ablaze,” the statement said.
The police said the victim survived the attack and was receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
The statement added that the suspect admitted during questioning to setting his wife ablaze, while the Command had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the incident and reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence.
He urged members of the public to seek lawful means of resolving domestic disputes and avoid actions capable of endangering lives.
The police said the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
Frederick Odimayo
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