A tragic incident in Akure, Ondo State, unfolded when a man set himself and his estranged wite ablaze, leading to his death and leaving her with severe burns. The couple, married for a decade and parents to two children, had been separated due to unresolved marital conflicts. Reports indicate the man had persistently sought reconciliation, but his wife remained unwilling, citing irreconcilable differences. The situation took a devastating turn when the man resorted to drastic action.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, the man lured his wife to their former home under the pretext of retrieving household items. Upon her arrival, he locked the doors, doused them both with petrol, and ignited the fire. While he succumbed to the flames at the scene, his wife managed to escape with severe burns. She is currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, though her condition remains critical.
The police expressed deep concern over the incident, urging members of the public to seek peaceful and constructive ways of resolving domestic disputes. They emphasized the need for open communication, emotional support, and mental health interventions to prevent such occurrences. Authorities warned against resorting to violence in moments of despair, highlighting the irreversible consequences of such actions.
This heartbreaking event has drawn attention to the need for accessible counseling services and community support systems to address domestic issues. Experts stress the importance of providing couples and families with tools to manage conflicts and mental health challenges before they escalate into violence. Local organizations are being urged to offer proactive support to individuals experiencing marital difficulties.
The Ondo State community has been left in shock, with many calling for greater awareness of domestic violence and mental health struggles.Residents are encouraged to report signs of domestic unrest to relevant authorities to ensure timely intervention. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and hope to use the findings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
