The Delta State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for a man identified as Ignatius, following allegations that he set his wife’s shop on fire in Okpanam, Asaba, in a shocking case of arson and attempted murder.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, February 23, targeting the shop owned by Juliet Opudiri, who says the suspect not only destroyed her business but also endangered the lives of those inside.
According to Opudiri, her foster child and a worker were trapped inside a caravan shop as the fire raged.
Recalling the horrifying event, Opudiri said she was at home feeding her baby when she heard a loud noise.
“I rushed to the window and saw that my shop was on fire. I dropped my baby and screamed for help,” she said. Neighbors immediately ran to the scene and tried to put out the flames, but the fire had already spread to two adjoining shops before firefighters arrived.
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Opudiri recounted that her husband allegedly carried the shop generator inside, ordered the worker to kneel, and poured fuel around the shop.
He then reportedly pushed her foster child Chimuanya into the caravan, padlocked it, locked the back gate, and set the shop ablaze.
The attack left Opudiri financially devastated. She said, “I have nothing left. The goods were on loan and on credit, and I don’t know how to repay.
Because of the threats, I had to move out with my children, and they have stopped going to school out of fear.”
She also revealed that the suspect had called her after the attack to issue further threats, warning that what he had done so far was nothing compared to what he intended to do.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect. “We are on it.
The man is on the run, but he will definitely be arrested,” he assured.
The harrowing incident has left the family traumatized and raised serious concerns about domestic violence and public safety in the community.
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