By Uju Eze, Awka
Mr. Sunday Obiozor Nwaka, the man who set his wife, Mrs. Blessing Chioma Nwaka, ablaze with fuel resulting in her tragic death in Anambra State, has confessed that he never intended for his wife to die. The confession came during an interrogation by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, in her office.
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 had 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.
Mr. Nwaka blamed his actions on anger and acknowledged that his wife was the breadwinner of the family. He expressed regret and apologized to his children for killing their mother, claiming to have loved her deeply despite accusing her of infidelity.
Commissioner Obinabo condemned the act as unlawful and unacceptable, highlighting the need for controlling anger and violence against women. She emphasized the importance of seeking peaceful divorce or dissolution of marriage, rather than resorting to violence. The governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has vowed to ensure justice for the victim and address rising cases of violence and abuse in the state.
According to a statement issued by Daniel Ezeigwe, media aide to the First Lady; the Governor’s wife, after receiving details of the incident, described it gruesome and evil, and further vowed to see to the end of the case.
The statement reads in part: “In her reaction to the incident which she described as gruesome and evil, Mrs Soludo vowed to see to the end of the case, insisting that the full justice must be made to take prime place in the whole process.
“She reiterated that the present administration takes issues of domestic violence and abuses as serious crimes, stating that no one who is found guilty of such offences would be let to walk free.
“The governor’s wife further expressed strong disappointment at the rising cases of violence and abuses in homes and re-issued her long-term call for serious social reformation, beginning with a systemic approach to fighting drug use and related problems. She added that the state government will now find the best approach to take care of the five children whom, she maintained, should be in the most careful manner.”
