By Idahosa Musa
A 54- year-old Italy-based Edo businesswoman, Tina Uyi narrowly escaped death on new year day after her estranged 55-year-old husband, Osaro Ahunwan allegedly set her apartment ablaze, allegedly to kill her.
The January 1, 2025 incident which was greeted by condemnation from members of the public occurred in Idumwonwina, near Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.
Tina was said to have lost huge sum of money both in local and foreign currencies including packages from her friends in Italy to their loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno
An eyewitness account stated that, Tina who returned to Nigeria from her base in Italy on December 31, 2024, heard a loud bang on her window while coming out from the bathroom
Tina, according to the report, soon discovered it was her estranged husband, Osaro who banged the window, demanding entry into her apartment.
She was said to have allegedly refused to allow him in, on the basis that their relationship had ended as her family had returned her pride price since April 2024.
Osaro, said to have been infuriated by Tina”s refusal to allow him in allegedly threatened to burn down her apartment and harm its occupants.
“Despite Tina’s plea for him to leave the promises, Osaro reportedly shattered the glass windows, doused the apartment with Petro, and set it on fire, using a lighter and fuel, leaving the entire apartment completely razed.
“The inferno quickly engulfed the building, but neighbors intervened and successfully rescued Tina’s elderly parents (who are nonagenarian) from the flames.
“It took the frantic efforts of men of the Edo State Fire Service to put out the flames that wreaked havoc before their arrival”, the source said.
Tina who spoke to our reporter from her hospital bed, narrated that sometime in 2023, Osaro had threatened to kill her and 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 am 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 lasted less than 2 years”
It was learnt that the Police in Ekiadolor, have arrested the suspect, Osaro and his accomplice, Odaro Oviarobo (Tina’s elder brother) over the incident.
During interrogation, it was gathered Osaro reportedly confessed that Tina’s elder brother, Odaro Oviarobo, popularly known as “OD,” provided him with detailed information about his sister’s (Tina) return itinerary.
He was said to have admitted that he (Osaro) paid Odaro ₦5,000 (Five Thousand Naira) for the information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment the container of petrol.
He further claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was also supplied by Odaro.
Sources disclosed that Odaro harbored grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite constructing a hotel.
It was scooped 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 has 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.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Yamu, while confirming the incident said he was yet to speak to the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of the Ekiadolor Division for full details of the incident.
As at the time of filing the report, both Osaro and Odaro remain in police custody as investigations continue.
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