Tragedy struck in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State when 32-year-old Onyiuke Nwedeogu set his house ablaze, causing his own death.
A source close to the family reveals that a heated argument with his wife, Felicia Nwedeogu, had preceded the horrific incident on Sunday morning.
After allegedly physically assaulting his wife, Onyiuke then went on to set the family’s provision shop and his own body on fire.
Despite receiving treatment at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, he eventually succumbed to his severe burns on Wednesday.
According to sources, the couple had been experiencing a long-standing marital crisis, prompting intervention from both families, but to no avail.
Before taking his own life, Onyiuke had allegedly removed the window guards from his family’s residence, allowing him to set the living room on fire using flammable materials. Fortunately, neighbors managed to rescue his wife and their three young daughters before the flames caused harm.
Believing his family was no longer in harm’s way, Onyiuke then drove to his bus and set himself on fire.
At the time of this report, the Ebonyi State Police Command had not received an official report of the incident, although investigations are expected to be conducted.
The deceased’s body has been taken to the morgue at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, and a formal investigation into the matter will likely follow.
