Teacher allegedly sets wife ablaze in Kogi

A teacher in Kogi State, Nigeria, has been arrested for allegedly setting his wife on fire during a domestic dispute in Lokoja. Jacob Irewa, a local teacher and ordained pastor, is accused of pouring petrol on his wife, Berida Irawo, and igniting her in their home on Friday, 14 August, around 8:30 p.m. According to police statements, the incident took place at the couple's residence in Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja. The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele. Preliminary investigations suggest the altercation began following a domestic disagreement. The police spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, stated that the wife allegedly burned several of the husband’s favorite short-sleeved shirts without his consent. Upon discovering the missing clothing, the suspect reportedly became frustrated and angry. He then retrieved petrol from his motorcycle, poured it over his wife, and set her ablaze with matches. The suspect later confessed to the act during his interrogation with the authorities. In his statement to the police, Irewa described his actions as a moment of intense emotional distress. “Out of frustration and anger, I went to where I parked my motorcycle and fetched petrol from it, poured it on her and lit it up with matches. I don’t know how it happened; may God have mercy on me,” he reportedly said. The suspect claims he had recently returned home, taken a bath, and intended to wear one of his preferred shirts when he found them missing. His wife explained that she had burned the garments believing they were no longer being used. Irewa, who is described as a teacher and ordained pastor, stated that he was on vacation in Lokoja at the time of the incident. He also mentioned that he had been married to his wife for many years and that they did not have children. The police have initiated a thorough investigation into the case, aiming to gather additional evidence and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. This case occurs against the backdrop of increased governmental efforts to address gender-based violence and related family issues in Kogi State. On 9 July 2025, the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development established a Case Management Committee tasked with handling reports of gender-based violence, child defilement, abandonment, and other family-related grievances. The committee was also charged with providing psychosocial support to victims and coordinating the intake, assessment, monitoring, advocacy, and evaluation of these cases. At the time of the committee’s inauguration, the then Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Fatimah Momoh, emphasized the need for professional and compassionate handling of such sensitive matters. Despite these measures, incidents like this continue to highlight the persistent challenges in addressing domestic violence within the region. The police have indicated that their investigation into the case is still ongoing. They have not yet released further details regarding the legal proceedings or potential charges against the suspect. As the inquiry continues, the community and authorities remain focused on ensuring justice for the victim and preventing similar occurrences in the future.