Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The quiet of the Oworo Estate in Felele, Lokoja, was shattered on the evening of Friday, August 14, 2026, when what began as a domestic disagreement over old clothes escalated into a horrific act of violence that left a woman fighting for her life. Berida Irawo, a wife and mother, is currently receiving treatment for severe burns after her husband, Jacob Irewa, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze. The incident, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m., has once again thrust the scourge of domestic violence into the national spotlight and raised urgent questions about the safety of women in their own homes.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the dispute began after the victim reportedly burnt some of her husband's clothes, which she believed he was no longer using, without his consent. What should have been a minor disagreement, perhaps resolved through conversation or compromise, instead spiralled into a deadly confrontation. The suspect, enraged by his wife's actions, allegedly threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle, poured it on her, and set her on fire.
The police were alerted to the incident, and officers from the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to arrest the suspect. The victim was rushed to Honey Gold Hospital, Felele, where she is currently receiving treatment for her injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect admitted to setting his wife on fire during questioning. The Police Public Relations Officer for the Kogi State Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms, reiterating the command's zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence. He urged members of the public to resolve domestic disputes through lawful and peaceful means, warning against actions capable of endangering lives. The police said the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
The incident in Lokoja is a grim reminder of the pervasive nature of domestic violence in Nigeria, where disputes that could be resolved through dialogue often escalate into brutal acts of violence. The use of petrol as a weapon is particularly horrifying, as it demonstrates a chilling level of premeditation and intent to cause grievous harm. For Berida Irawo, the physical and psychological scars of the attack will likely last a lifetime. For the community, the incident serves as a sobering reminder that the home, which should be a place of safety, can also be a place of unimaginable danger.
As the investigation continues, the case of Jacob Irewa has become a symbol of the urgent need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons found responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice. However, the tragic reality is that for every case that makes the headlines, countless others go unreported, leaving victims to suffer in silence. The challenge for law enforcement, community leaders, and society as a whole is to break that silence and ensure that no woman has to fear for her life in her own home. For now, Berida Irawo's fight for survival continues, while her husband awaits his day in court.
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