Tragic Incident in Ebonyi State: Man Sets Home Ablaze After Domestic Dispute
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Ebonyi State, where a man, identified as Mr. Onyiuke Nwedeogu, reportedly set himself and his family’s home on fire after a heated argument with his wife early Sunday morning. The tragic event occurred in the Ndiechi Igbeagu area of Izzi Local Government, leaving his wife, Mrs. Felicia Nwedeogu, and their three daughters fortunate to escape with their lives.
According to an anonymous witness, the dispute began on Sunday when Nwedeogu became involved in a serious argument with his wife, which quickly escalated to physical aggression. In the midst of the confrontation, Nwedeogu allegedly packed his belongings and left the house, taking them to the family’s provision shop. He then visited his parents in an attempt to resolve the issue, seeking their mediation. However, after receiving an unsatisfactory response from his parents, he returned home in the early hours of the morning with the intent to carry out his horrifying act.
Reports indicate that, in a fit of anger, Nwedeogu forcibly opened a window protector and, armed with a can of motor spirit, set the family home ablaze while his wife and children slept. A terrified eyewitness recalled the terrifying moment, saying, “He poured the fuel and lit the house with everyone inside.” In a stroke of luck, Mrs. Nwedeogu and her children were able to escape through the same window Nwedeogu had forcibly opened.
After setting the fire, Nwedeogu fled the scene in his bus, leaving his family to face the devastation. He was later found and transported by a man named Elijah to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital (AE-FETHA), where he later died from the injuries sustained in the fire on Wednesday.
The Nwedeogu family, though devastated by the tragic event, managed to survive with only the bare minimum of belongings, wearing only a wrapper and children’s undergarments at the time of their rescue.
The Ebonyi State Police have yet to officially report the incident, as confirmed by DSP Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer. Meanwhile, the body of Nwedeogu has been moved to the AE-FETHA morgue for further examination.
