A middle-aged man in Adamawa identified as Kuryanga has allegedly set fire on his estranged wife, Janet John, while she was asleep.
The incident happened in Guyuk town, in the Guyuk Local Government Area of the State.
Family sources claim that Janet and Kuryanga ended their 7-year marriage three years ago with a court order barring him from seeing her because of his violent behavior. Janet’s aunt, Noyna, said that despite a court order to restrict him, Kuryanga continued to threaten Janet.
Noyna says that Kuryanga, armed with a Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol and matches, attacked and burned his estranged wife while she was sleeping.
“Despite getting married to another lady coupled with the court verdict, Kuryanga still refused to let go of her (my niece). Since then, he’s been jealous, threatening her life and those of her suitors.
After he eventually struck, he still joined sympathisers at my niece’s bedside in the hospital the following day. He almost got away with it, fortunately, his pregnant wife later confirmed that a container of petrol left at the crime scene belonged to their family.
He tiptoed to her sleeping area within our compound in the dead of night, poured petrol, struck the matches and fled; leaving her in flames. He got her because of the scourging hot weather. We all sleep in the open” Noyina said
Noyina said Kuryanga was arrested after the revelation by his wife, adding that he had confessed to the crime and pleaded to be forgiven.
The police in the State could not immediately confirm the incident. When contacted, the police spokesperson for Adamawa State Command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, said he was yet to be briefed.