Ondo: Tragedy as Man Sets Wife Ablaze, Kills Self, "He Started With Threats"

• A yet-to-be-identified man set himself and his wife ablaze in Ijoka area of Akure, Ondo state, southwest Nigeria
• The couple, who had been married for 10 years with two children, had been separated as a result of an undisclosed marital issue
• The state police public relations officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, adding that while the husband died, the wife was still in hospital receiving treatment

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs.

Akure, Ondo state - Police in Ondo have said a man set himself and his wife ablaze.

In a tweet on the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the state police command on Thursday, December 12, the police stated that the duo were former lovers.

The police's statement reads:

“Mr A was married to Mrs A, along the line they had issues that made them stay apart.

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“Mr A called Mrs A to come over and carry a wardrobe, when she got to the house, he started with threats of killing himself but later locked the door that both of them will die together.

Mr A with the aid of fuel and lighter sets himself and Mrs A ablaze.

“Mr A died on the spot while Mrs A had major burns, in less than 48 hours, Mrs A has been referred to the 3rd hospital.

“Stay away from toxic partners.”

Domestic violence in Nigeria

Domestic violence is prominent in Nigeria as in other parts of Africa. It takes many forms including physical, sexual, emotional, and mental. Common forms of violence against women in Nigeria are sexual assault and wife beating.

Legit.ng reports that there is currently a push in Nigeria for federal laws concerning domestic violence.

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• University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, confers degrees on 634 students at sixth convocation
• Ondo 2024: Lack of female governorship candidates sparks gender inclusion concerns
• Thugs launch attack on PDP members in Ondo

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Expert warns about toxic partners

Meanwhile, Omotola Akinwale, a mental and emotional wellness coach, warned that once former lovers decide to stay apart, they should stick to it.

Reacting to the Ondo tragedy, Akinwale explained to Legit.ng:

"You stayed apart for a reason, you know what this person is capable of, or to an extent.

"First thing first, never underestimate the ability of a toxic partner. You definitely do not know to what extent that they can go. Don't assume that you know the extent that they can go, or you just feel like 'this is what can happen'.

"Secondly, if you have to be in the same space with a toxic partner, ensure that you are with someone or people who can at least protect you. Report the case in advance and let them be aware of the things this person has been doing to you and all of that.

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"Third thing would be to safeguard and protect yourself. Because some people may not have to look for a toxic partner, a partner might be the one that will look for them. This tragedy in Ondo could have been prevented if she did not walk alone."

Mother, 4 children die after consuming pap in Ondo

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a man based in Ondo, identified simply as Ademola Adeola, called on the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of his mother and four children following alleged food poisoning.

His mother, Mrs Esther Adeola, and four grandchildren aged nine, eight, six and three years, reportedly died after drinking liquid pap at home in Oke-Aro Akure, Ondo state.

Source: Legit.ng