The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a teacher, Jacob Irewa, for allegedly pouring petrol on his wife, Berida Irawo, and setting her ablaze during a domestic dispute at their residence in Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.
Police Confirm Arrest and Details of the Incident
The state command’s spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, confirmed the arrest while responding to enquiries from journalists, stating that the incident occurred on Friday, 14 August, at about 8:30 p.m. Saliu said preliminary investigation revealed that the attack followed a domestic disagreement after the victim allegedly burnt some of Mr Irewa’s clothes without his permission.
“The suspect subsequently threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her ablaze,” she said. The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
Suspect Admits to the Attack
“The suspect, in his statement to the police, admitted to setting his wife ablaze. The Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence,” Saliu added.
In his account to the police, Mr Irewa said he had returned home, taken his bath, and wanted to wear one of his favourite short-sleeved shirts when he discovered that seven of them were missing. He searched the room and other places where the clothes could have been kept before asking his wife about them. His wife told him she had burnt the shirts because she believed he was no longer using them.
“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.
Background and Government Response
The suspect claimed to be an ordained pastor and a teacher who was on vacation in Lokoja. He said he had been married to the victim for many years and that they had no child.
The incident comes amid efforts by the Kogi State Government to strengthen its response to gender-based violence and family-related complaints. On 9 July 2025, the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development inaugurated a Case Management Committee to handle cases of gender-based violence, child defilement, abandonment, and other family-related complaints. The committee was also mandated to provide psychosocial support to survivors and coordinate the intake, assessment, monitoring, advocacy, and evaluation of such cases.
Then Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Fatimah Momoh, urged members of the committee to handle cases professionally and with care. The police said investigation into the alleged attack is ongoing.
