Chaos erupted in Asa Umudim community, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, after a man believed to be in his early 40s allegedly set his wife and three children on fire over accusations of infidelity. The shocking incident, which occurred on Sunday, May 19, 2025, has left one of the children dead and the rest of the family battling for their lives in a hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the man, whose identity is being withheld by the police, locked his family inside their home and poured petrol around the compound before setting it ablaze. According to locals, he had been accusing his wife of engaging in extramarital affairs and frequently picking calls from suspected lovers, which he claimed was ruining their marriage.
The fire quickly engulfed the home, trapping the wife and children inside. While neighbors rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue the victims, one of the daughters tragically succumbed to the flames. The wife and two other children were pulled out severely burned and rushed to a nearby medical facility, where doctors are currently battling to save their lives.
Community members say they were moments away from lynching the suspect when police officers from Osisioma Division arrived and took him into custody. The atmosphere in the community remains tense, as many residents are still struggling to comprehend the horror of what transpired.
The charred remains of the deceased child have been deposited at a local mortuary, while law enforcement has cordoned off the burnt building pending further investigations. Residents are demanding swift justice, with some calling for the maximum penalty against the suspect to serve as a deterrent to domestic violence rooted in jealousy and suspicion.
Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident on Monday morning, stating that the suspect is under investigation. “Yes, the police are aware. The matter is being handled and investigations are ongoing,” she told reporters via a text message.
As the country battles rising cases of domestic violence, rights advocates are urging authorities to strengthen legal protections and psychological support for victims trapped in toxic relationships. This latest incident, coming barely weeks after a similar case in Rivers State, underscores a growing emergency in homes across Nigeria — one that demands urgent national action.
