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Tragedy in Lokoja: Man Arrested for Setting Wife Ablaze Over Burnt Clothes
Published on Tue 18 Aug 2026 By Temilola Odeniyi
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a resident, identified as Jacob Irewa, following a severe domestic altercation that left his spouse with critical injuries. The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation from local advocacy groups, occurred late Friday evening at the couple’s residence in the state capital. The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, issued an official statement on Sunday detailing the command`s response. According to the report, the confrontation escalated within the Oworo Estate area of Felele, prompting immediate intervention from law enforcement after distress calls were placed by concerned neighbors. Officers from the B Division Surveillance Team arrived at the scene shortly after the report was filed. Their swift arrival facilitated the apprehension of the suspect, who was reportedly attempting to leave the premises. The victim was immediately provided with emergency medical attention and transported to a nearby healthcare facility. Preliminary findings by investigators suggest that the dispute was triggered by a disagreement over household items and personal property. Detectives noted that the verbal argument rapidly turned into a physical assault, resulting in the victim sustaining significant injuries that required urgent hospitalization. The victim is currently receiving intensive care at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele. Medical staff are working to manage the injuries sustained during the encounter. While the victim’s condition is being monitored closely, the severity of the incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges of addressing domestic safety within the community. The suspect is currently in police custody and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Statements taken during the initial interrogation indicate that the altercation was fueled by unresolved marital tensions. Police are continuing to compile evidence to ensure a thorough legal process as the case moves toward formal charges. Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, spoke out against the incident, emphasizing the command`s commitment to tackling gender-based violence. He noted that such incidents are a priority for the state’s law enforcement and that every resource would be deployed to ensure justice is served according to the law. The Commissioner further advised members of the public to utilize established mediation services and community counseling centers when dealing with domestic conflicts. He reiterated that resorting to physical force is a criminal offense and urged citizens to seek peaceful resolutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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