By Betty Idemudia, Reporting
A domestic dispute nearly turned fatal in the wee hours of the New Year as an Italy-based businesswoman, Tina Uyi, narrowly escaped death after her estranged husband, Mr. Osaro Ahunwan, aged 55, from Isiukhu village near Ekiadolor, allegedly set her apartment ablaze.
The incident occurred on New Year Day at Idumwonwina, near Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The victim, Tina, in hospital bed
According to reports, 54-year-old Tina Uyi had just returned from Italy on December 31, 2024, and was coming out of the bathroom when she heard a loud bang on her window.
Upon inquiry, she discovered it was her estranged husband, Osaro, demanding entry into her apartment.
Tina refused, asserting that their relationship had ended, as her family had returned her bride price since April, 2024.
The arson suspect, Osaro, after being overpowered by youths of the community
Infuriated by her response, Tina said Osaro allegedly threatened to burn down the apartment and harm its occupants if they would not let him in.
Despite Tina’s plea for him to leave the premises, Osaro reportedly went berserk, shattered the glass windows, douched the apartment with a gallon of scarce petrol, and set it on fire using a lighter, leaving the entire apartment completely razed.
The fire engulfed the building, with the occupants including Tina’s nonagenarian parents scampering to safety.
Tina’s apartment on fire courtesy of Osaro
Sources said it took the frantic efforts of neighbours to successfully rescue the nonagenarians from being roasted alive in the raging flames.
Tina said she lost some cash, all her travel documents, and property of years of hard work, including jewellery worth several millions of naira to the fire.
Stonix News gathered that it took the frantic efforts of men of the Edo State Fire Service to put out the flames that wreaked havoc before their arrival.
Remains of the burnt apartment
Tina, who spoke to our reporter from her hospital bed on Wednesday evening, said sometime in 2023, Osaro had threatened to kill her and kill himself as well.
According to Tina, “Osaro destroyed my Lexus (330) Jeep, when we had misunderstanding .
“He likes too much control, and very suspicious, even when I’m out shopping, and he calls, as soon as he hears a male’s voice, he would abuse me and call me names.
“So, because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that had lasted less than two years
Law enforcement authorities have, since, apprehended Osaro, who is currently in custody at the Ekiadolor Police Station.
During interrogation, Osaro reportedly confessed that Tina’s elder brother, Mr. Odaro Oviarobo, commonly known as “OD,” provided him with detailed information about her (Tina’s) return itinerary.
READ ALSO: https://stonixnews.com/police-identify-woman-who-was-burnt-to-death-in-subway/
Osaro admitted to paying Odaro ₦5,000 (Five Thousand Naira) for the information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment with the container of petrol.
He further claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was also supplied by Odaro.
Sources disclosed that Odaro harboured grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite constructing a hotel.
Tina’s third degree burns
It was gathered that Tina had previously sponsored Odaro’s trip abroad in 2003, but he returned to Nigeria voluntarily after 10 years, leaving behind his partner and a baby girl.
Since his return, he had reportedly been unemployed and reliant on Tina for financial support.
Tina sustained third-degree burns in the incident and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in Benin City.
Both Osaro, who was overpowered and arrested by youths of the community, and Odaro are said to be cooling off in police custody as investigations continue.
The Edo Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, but said he was yet to speak to the DPO for full details of the incident.
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