Delta State police launch manhunt for Ignatius over alleged shop arson and attempted murder after locking child inside during blaze

The Delta State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a suspect identified as Ignatius over alleged arson and attempted murder following a fire at his wife’s shop in Okpanam, Asaba.

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The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The victim, Juliet Opudiri, alleged that her husband not only set the shop ablaze but also locked her foster child, Chimuanya, and a worker inside a caravan shop before fleeing the scene.

Opudiri, who operated the shop, told reporters that she lost all her goods, including items purchased on loan or via credit facilities.

“I was feeding my baby when I heard a loud noise. I rushed to the window and saw that my shop was on fire. I dropped my baby and started shouting,” she recounted.

Neighbours rushed to help, but the fire had already spread to adjoining shops by the time the fire service arrived.

She further described how her husband allegedly carried out the act.

“He carried the generator inside the shop, ordered the worker to kneel, sprinkled fuel around, pushed Chimuanya into the caravan, padlocked it, and set the place on fire,” Opudiri alleged.

The incident has left Opudiri financially devastated.

She said she was forced to relocate with her children due to ongoing threats from her husband, adding that her children have stopped attending school out of fear.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the suspect is still at large.

“The man is on the run, but we are on his trail and he will definitely be arrested,” Edafe said.