Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A man who set his wife ablaze with fuel, resulting in her death in Anambra State, Mr. Sunday Obiozor Nwaka, has confessed that he never intended for his wife to die.
Mr. Nwaka made this confession while being interrogated by the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, at her office on Wednesday.
The deceased, Mrs. Blessing Chioma Nwaka, a native of Oraifite, was burnt to death by her husband at Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, over allegations of infidelity.
According to sources, the couple, who have five children, including twins, had been experiencing marital problems and frequent quarrels.
The wife had allegedly suffered physical abuse, including bottle attacks, from her husband but had continued to endure the abuse to remain in the marriage.
On the day of the incident, the husband allegedly poured fuel on his wife and set her ablaze.
Videos circulating on social media show the victim running for safety while on fire, with neighbors and passersby attempting to rescue her.
The victim was rushed to a hospital in Enugwu-Ukwu, where she later died. The suspect, Mr. Sunday Nwaka, has been detained by the police for further investigation, as confirmed by the state’s Police Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
During his interrogation by Commissioner Obinabo, the suspect blamed his actions on anger and acknowledged that his wife was the breadwinner of the family. He apologised to his children for killing their mother and claimed to have loved his wife deeply.
Mr. Nwaka, a welder, accused his late wife of infidelity and claimed he did not know she would die when he set her on fire. When asked how he felt after killing his wife, the suspect claimed he felt terrible and wished he had killed himself too.
Commissioner Obinabo condemned the act, describing it as unlawful and unacceptable. She recounted reports of the suspect’s history of violence against his wife, including beatings and threats with bottles and knives.
The Commissioner blamed Mr. Nwaka for not reporting his concerns to his wife’s family or seeking a peaceful divorce,instead, he chose to beat and molest her, ultimately leading to her death.
Commissioner Obinabo reiterated the need to control anger and violence against women, suggesting peaceful divorce or dissolution of marriage as an alternative. She assured that the law would take its full course on the suspect, serving as a deterrent to others.
The Anambra State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has vowed to closely follow the case and ensure the victim receives justice.
