A devastating case of domestic violence has shaken the Okpanam community in Asaba, Delta State, after a man identified as Ignatius allegedly set his wife’s shop on fire with her foster child and worker locked inside. The Delta State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect who has been on the run since the incident occurred on Monday, February 23.
The Shocking Incident
Mrs. Juliet Opudiri, the victim, recounted the terrifying moments when her business and livelihood went up in flames. According to her statement to the police, she was at home nursing her baby when she heard a loud noise that would change her life forever.
“I was feeding my baby when I heard a loud noise. I rushed to the window and saw that my shop was on fire. I dropped my baby and started shouting that my shop was burning. Neighbours rushed out and we all ran there,” she narrated.
What started as a fire emergency soon revealed itself to be something far more sinister – a calculated act of arson and attempted murder.
A Calculated Attack
The true horror of the situation became clear when Juliet’s foster child, Chimuanya, who narrowly escaped death, revealed what had transpired before the fire broke out.
According to the child’s account, shortly after Juliet left the shop, the generator suddenly stopped working. When the worker went to check it in the backyard, he encountered Ignatius, who had allegedly come with deadly intentions.
“My husband carried the generator inside the shop and ordered the worker to kneel down, warning that nobody should move. He sprinkled fuel around the shop and inside the caravan, pushed Chimuanya into the caravan and padlocked it. He then locked the back gate, struck a match and set the place on fire,” Juliet alleged.
The alleged actions paint a picture of premeditated violence that could have resulted in the deaths of innocent children and workers.
Community Response and Damage
Residents of the area immediately sprang into action when they saw the flames, demonstrating the spirit of community solidarity that Nigerians are known for. They attempted to break down doors and extinguish the fire before the arrival of the fire service.
However, by the time help arrived, the fire had already spread to two neighbouring shops, causing extensive damage. Everything in Juliet’s shop was completely destroyed, including goods she had purchased on loan and through credit facilities.
A Family in Crisis
The aftermath of this incident has left Juliet and her four children in a desperate situation. Beyond the physical destruction of her business, the psychological trauma and ongoing threats have forced the family to make difficult decisions.
“I have nothing left. The goods were on loan and credit, and I don’t know how to repay them. Because of the threats, I had to move out with my children, and they have stopped going to school out of fear,” she lamented.
Adding to her distress, Ignatius has reportedly been calling to issue more threats. “He even called me to threaten that what he did was nothing compared to what he would still do. He said he would frustrate me and destroy anything I build again,” Juliet revealed.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the matter is being taken seriously and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect.
“We are on it. The man is on the run and we will do our best to get him. When someone knows he is being pursued, he tries to move far away to evade arrest. That makes it difficult, but we are on his trail and he will definitely be arrested,” Edafe assured.
A Growing Concern
This incident highlights the disturbing reality of domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly cases where economic jealousy or disputes lead to destructive behaviour. The alleged attempt to harm innocent children in the process makes this case particularly heinous.
As the police continue their search for Ignatius, many Nigerians are calling for swift justice and stronger protections for victims of domestic violence. The case also raises questions about support systems for women whose businesses and livelihoods are destroyed by violent partners.
For now, Juliet and her children remain in hiding, their lives upended by an act of violence that has left them homeless, financially devastated, and traumatized. The Nigerian public awaits justice in this case that has shocked the conscience of the nation.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect is encouraged to contact the Delta State Police Command or the nearest police station.
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