‘Forgive him’— Kogi Woman set ablaze by husband makes emotional plea

An Emotional Plea for Forgiveness

Mrs Berida Irawo, who was allegedly set ablaze by her husband, Jacob Irawo, in Lokoja, Kogi State, has pleaded for forgiveness for her husband following a horrific domestic attack. The appeal comes as the victim continues to receive medical treatment in the hospital for injuries sustained during the incident.

A pastor, John Esiga Abu, who confirmed the development, said the victim made the plea after the suspect visited her in the hospital on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. According to Abu, Berida’s primary request was for her husband to be forgiven despite the severity of the alleged assault.

Details of the Domestic Conflict

The attack reportedly occurred at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja, on Friday, August 14, 2026, following a domestic disagreement. Preliminary investigations into the incident indicated that the conflict began after Berida burnt some of her husband's clothes, which she believed he was no longer using, without his prior permission.

The action reportedly angered the suspect, who allegedly threatened his wife before fetching petrol from his motorcycle and setting her ablaze. The incident has drawn significant attention to the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into violent physical confrontations.

Police Intervention and Identity Clarification

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested the suspect, identified as Jacob Irewa, on charges of alleged attempted culpable homicide. While the victim has called for leniency, the police are expected to continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, and the suspect remains subject to the ongoing criminal process.

Pastor John Esiga Abu also used the opportunity to clarify reports concerning the suspect's professional identity. He stressed that Jacob Irewa is a teacher by profession rather than a pastor, as some earlier reports had suggested. The case remains under investigation as authorities weigh the legal implications of the violent assault.