Teacher arrested for allegedly setting wife on fire in Kogi

The police have arrested a teacher named Jacob Irewa. He is accused of pouring petrol on his wife, Berida Irawo, and setting her on fire during a fight in Lokoja.

Afusat Saliu, the spokesperson for the state police, confirmed the arrest. She said this happened on Friday, 14 August, around 8:30 p.m.

Saliu mentioned that early investigations showed the incident followed a domestic argument. The victim allegedly burnt some of Mr Irewa’s clothes without asking him.

“The suspect later threatened her, took petrol from his motorcycle, and set her on fire,” she said.

The victim survived and is getting treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele. Saliu added, “The suspect admitted to setting his wife on fire. The Command has started an investigation to find out more about what happened and collect evidence.”

This incident took place at the couple’s home in Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja. The suspect told the police that he had just come home, bathed, and wanted to wear one of his favorite short-sleeved shirts when he found out that seven of them were missing.

He said he searched the house and other places for the clothes before asking his wife where they were. The suspect claimed his wife told him she had burnt the shirts because she thought he was not using them anymore.

He admitted to getting petrol from his motorcycle, pouring it on his wife, and lighting her up with matches. “Out of frustration and anger, I went to my motorcycle, fetched petrol, poured it on her, and lit it with matches. I don’t know how it happened; may God have mercy on me,” he reportedly said.

The suspect also said he is an ordained pastor and a teacher who is on vacation in Lokoja. He mentioned that he had been married to the victim for many years and that they do not have any children.

This incident comes as the Kogi State Government is trying to improve its response to cases of gender-based violence and family issues. On 9 July 2025, the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development set up a Case Management Committee to deal with cases of gender-based violence, child abuse, abandonment, and other family-related issues.

The committee is also supposed to provide support to survivors and manage the intake, assessment, monitoring, advocacy, and evaluation of these cases.

Fatimah Momoh, the then Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, urged the committee members to handle cases with professionalism and care.

The police said the investigation into this attack is still ongoing.