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A domestic disagreement over seven burnt shirts turned into a horrific act of violence after a Kogi-based pastor allegedly doused his wife with petrol and set her ablaze, leaving her with severe burns.
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The suspect, Jacob Irewa, was swiftly arrested by the Kogi State Police Command after allegedly admitting to carrying out the attack, while the victim battles for survival in hospital.
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Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident and say the suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of the probe, as authorities condemn the attack as a grave case of domestic violence.
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The incident has renewed concerns over the alarming rise in domestic violence across Nigeria, with police urging couples to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means rather than resorting to deadly violence.
August 17, (THEWILL) — The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Jacob Irewa, who reportedly described himself as an ordained pastor, for allegedly pouring petrol on his wife, Berida Irawo, and setting her ablaze during a domestic dispute over clothes she allegedly burnt without his permission.
THEWILL gathered that the shocking incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the couple’s residence in Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja, leaving the victim with severe burn injuries and sparking outrage over another disturbing case of domestic violence.
According to the Police, officers attached to the B Division Surveillance Team in Felele received a distress report at about 8:30 p.m. and immediately responded to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.
Confirming the incident, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said preliminary investigations revealed that the attack followed a disagreement after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothes, believing he no longer needed them.
“The incident followed a domestic disagreement after the victim burnt some of the suspect’s clothes, which she believed he was no longer using, without his permission. The suspect subsequently threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her ablaze,” the police spokesperson stated.
She disclosed that the victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
According to the police, the suspect admitted during interrogation that he set his wife on fire, while detectives have commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and gather additional evidence.
Sources close to the investigation said the altercation began after Irewa returned home and discovered that seven of his favourite short-sleeved shirts were missing.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that after searching unsuccessfully for the clothes, he questioned his wife, who later admitted she had burnt them.
In his account to the police, Irewa allegedly said he lost control after learning that the clothes had been destroyed.
“I came from outside, took my bath and wanted to wear one of my favourite short-sleeved shirts. I searched everywhere but could not find them.
“When I asked my wife, she later admitted she had burnt them. Out of frustration and anger, I fetched petrol from my motorcycle, poured it on her and struck a match. I don’t know how it happened. May God have mercy on me,” he reportedly confessed.
The suspect further claimed that he is an ordained pastor and a teacher in Irawo village who was on vacation in Lokoja. He also told investigators that despite being married for several years without children, he had never previously engaged in physical violence against his wife.
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Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of domestic violence.
He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for all forms of violence, particularly within the family, and urged members of the public to adopt lawful and peaceful means of resolving domestic disagreements instead of resorting to actions capable of destroying lives.
The Police Commissioner assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Kogi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice,” the Command said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
