The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Jacob Irewa, for allegedly attempting to set his wife ablaze during a domestic dispute in Lokoja, the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, at Oworo Estate, Felele area of Lokoja.
The command confirmed the arrest on Sunday, saying the suspect was taken into custody following the alleged attack on his wife.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, ASP Afusat Saliu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja.
According to her, the victim, identified as Mrs Berida Irawo, sustained injuries during the incident and was receiving medical treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele.
The police did not give details of what led to the domestic dispute or explain how the alleged attempt to set the woman ablaze happened.
However, the arrest has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic violence, which continues to affect families across Nigeria.
Domestic violence can take different forms, including physical attacks, threats, emotional abuse and other acts that put the safety of family members at risk. Women are often among the victims of serious domestic attacks.
The arrest is expected to allow investigators to establish what happened and determine whether the suspect will face criminal charges.
The command is also expected to take statements from the victim and other persons who may have witnessed the incident as part of the investigation.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their duties.
The incident comes amid continuing concerns over domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect victims and prevent disputes from escalating into serious injuries or death.
Security agencies and civil society organisations have repeatedly called for victims of domestic violence to seek help and report threats or attacks to the appropriate authorities.
In many cases, early intervention by relatives, community leaders, security agencies and support organisations can help prevent domestic disputes from becoming violent.
The Kogi police command has continued to warn residents against taking the law into their own hands, while encouraging people to report criminal acts and threats to security agencies.
The arrest of Irewa provides the police with an opportunity to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and determine the next legal steps.
Meanwhile, the victim remains under medical care as the investigation continues.
Police investigations are expected to establish the sequence of events that led to the incident and whether the allegation of an attempt to set the victim ablaze can be substantiated.
The case once again highlights the importance of addressing domestic disputes before they turn violent and ensuring that victims can access protection and medical care when attacks occur.