Tragedy: Angry man sets wife on fire in Edo

Margaret Onya was allegedly set ablaze by Onya, at their home at No 35, JB street, Ekosodin quarters, off Ugbowo-Lagos Road, Benin, Edo State, on Saturday, after a disagreement over her father’s burial. Onya was alleged to have poured petrol on her and set her ablaze with a match stick.

It was gathered that an argument had ensued between the couple over Onya’s alleged refusal to attend his father in-law’s funeral. Margaret who suffered severe burns from the incident is now being treated at a private hospital in Benin City.

Neighbours said that though the funeral rites of the father in-law had been concluded, Margaret was not happy with her husband’s decision not to attend it. Margaret who spoke on her hospital bed said: “We had a quarrel and he told me he would teach me a lesson.

After our disagreement, I sat on the chair and he went inside, brought petrol and wanted to pour it on me. I held the jar and as we were dragging, I was shouting for help. He overpowered me and poured the contents on me and lit a match. I was saved by one of my neighbours who rushed into our apartment and put out the fire.” Onya is said to have been arrested.