The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Lawal Faruq for allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend, Omolola Hassan, ablaze inside a military barracks in Ibadan following the end of their romantic relationship.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, at the Mami Market within Odogbo Barracks, where the suspect reportedly poured petrol on the victim during a confrontation and ignited it. Witnesses described hearing the woman’s screams as the fire spread, prompting immediate action from nearby military personnel.

Soldiers at the barracks quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames and rushing Hassan to Yawiri Hospital in Akobo for emergency treatment. She sustained severe burns and remains under intensive care, with her condition described as critical by medical sources.

According to reports, Faruq claimed during interrogation that he and Hassan had taken an oath never to separate, which fueled his rage when she decided to end the affair. “He kept insisting they were bound forever, and her leaving him was a betrayal,” a security source familiar with the case told reporters.

The suspect was initially detained by military police at the barracks before being handed over to the Oyo State Police Command for further investigation. Police spokesperson SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, noting that Faruq is in custody and cooperating with authorities.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the full circumstances of this unfortunate incident,” Osifeso said. “We assure the public that justice will be served, and we commend the swift response of the military personnel involved.”

Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos at the bustling Mami Market, a common area for vendors and residents. One trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the argument escalated rapidly. “They were talking loudly about the breakup, and suddenly he pulled out a can of petrol. We didn’t even realize what was happening until the fire started,” the witness said.

The attack has sparked outrage in Ibadan, with women’s rights groups condemning the rising tide of gender-based violence linked to failed relationships. Activists from the Oyo State chapter of the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) held a vigil outside the barracks on October 18, calling for stricter enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

“This is not love; it’s possession and control,” said WRAPA coordinator Amina Bello. “We demand counseling for survivors and life sentences for perpetrators to deter such barbarism.”

The case echoes similar horrific incidents across Nigeria. In April 2023, a man in Ogun State was arrested for burning down his ex-lover’s apartment after she refused reconciliation. Earlier in 2023, another in Rivers State strangled and set his partner ablaze over infidelity suspicions. Experts attribute these acts to toxic masculinity and inadequate mental health support, urging nationwide awareness campaigns.

Oyo State Police Commissioner Ayodeji Olugbenga has directed a joint task force with military authorities to probe the matter thoroughly, including verifying Faruq’s oath claims, which may involve traditional or spiritual elements. Preliminary findings suggest no prior formal complaints were filed by Hassan, highlighting the challenges of reporting domestic disputes.

As Hassan fights for recovery, her family has appealed for public support, including medical aid. A GoFundMe page set up by relatives has garnered donations from concerned Nigerians, emphasizing community solidarity in the face of such trauma.

Authorities have warned against vigilante justice while assuring that Faruq will face charges under relevant sections of the VAPP Law, which prohibits grievous harm and could lead to up to 14 years imprisonment if convicted. The investigation is expected to conclude within weeks, paving the way for prosecution.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for education on healthy relationships and accessible support services for victims of intimate partner violence in Nigeria.

Source: Read more at theheute.com.ng