Residents of Umule Road in Aba, Abia State, were thrown into chaos on Monday, June 2, 2025, after a man reportedly set his house ablaze following a serious quarrel with his wife. Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred around 10:45 am, sending thick smoke into the sky as frantic neighbors attempted to douse the flames.
The man, identified simply as Mr. Okereke, allegedly had a fierce argument with his wife over undisclosed family issues. Moments later, he was seen pouring what appeared to be petrol around the living room before setting it alight, ignoring screams from shocked residents. The blaze quickly consumed the bungalow, destroying valuables worth millions of naira.
Efforts by local residents to stop the fire proved futile due to the intensity of the flames and lack of firefighting equipment. By the time emergency services arrived, the house had been completely reduced to rubble. Fortunately, no lives were lost, although some individuals sustained minor injuries while trying to help.
Police officers from the Eziama Division arrived shortly after the fire and took Mr. Okereke into custody. According to a senior officer who spoke under anonymity, preliminary findings suggest the man may be battling mental health issues, although a full psychological evaluation is expected.
Family members described Mr. Okereke as a quiet but increasingly irritable man in recent months. A cousin, who pleaded not to be named, revealed that he had previously threatened to do “something terrible” if his wife didn’t stop “disrespecting him in public.” The wife, visibly shaken, declined to speak to the press.
The Abia State Fire Service has warned residents against storing petrol at home and has also urged couples facing emotional or marital issues to seek counseling rather than resorting to violence. Spokesperson for the state police, ASP Chinenye Okeke, confirmed an investigation is ongoing and charges will be filed as necessary.
The incident has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians calling for increased awareness on domestic violence, mental health support, and the rising tension in marriages across the country. The community remains tense as residents try to come to terms with the bizarre act that could have ended in tragedy.
