woman narrowly escapes death as husband allegedly sets apartment ablaze
A potential tragedy was narrowly averted on New Year’s Day when Tina Uyi, a 54-year-old businesswoman based in Italy, escaped a harrowing ordeal after her estranged husband, 55-year-old Osaro Ahunwan, allegedly set her apartment on fire, in Idumwonwina, near Oluku, in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Reports suggest that Tina, who had just returned to Nigeria from Italy on December 31, 2024, lost a significant amount of money in both local and foreign currencies, as well as gifts sent by friends in Italy for loved ones in Nigeria, in the devastating blaze.
Eyewitnesses recounted the alarming sequence of events, stating that Tina had just emerged from her bathroom when she heard a loud bang on her window. Upon investigating, she reportedly discovered that the sound was caused by her estranged husband, Osaro, who was demanding entry into her apartment.
Tina allegedly refused to let Osaro in, informing him that their relationship had ended and that her family had returned her bride price in April 2024. Her rejection reportedly enraged Osaro, who then allegedly threatened to set her apartment on fire and harm its occupants.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with the local community expressing outrage over the violent confrontation. Authorities are investigating the matter, as Tina’s close call with death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into violence.
“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 through the help of 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.
In an interview with a Nigerian Tribune from her hospital bed, Tina revealed that in 2023, Osaro had threatened to kill both her and himself.
She said: “Osaro destroyed my Lexus(330) Jeep when we had a misunderstanding. He likes too much control and is very suspicious; even when I am out shopping and he calls, as soon as he hears a male’s voice, he abuses me and calls me names.
“So because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than 2 years”
The police in Ekiadolor have arrested Osaro Ahunwan, Tina Uyi’s estranged husband, and his accomplice, Odaro Ovia Robo, Tina’s older brother, following the arson attack on Tina’s apartment.
During questioning, Osaro reportedly confessed that Odaro, also known as “OD,” had provided him with detailed information about Tina’s return to Nigeria.
Osaro revealed that he paid Odaro ₦5,000 for the information and had hidden in Odaro’s apartment with a container of petrol. The lighter used to ignite the fire, Osaro claimed, was also supplied by his brother-in-law.
Sources indicate that Odaro harbored long-standing grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial support despite his own hotel construction project.
It was revealed that Tina had sponsored Odaro’s trip abroad in 2003, but he had returned to Nigeria voluntarily after a decade, leaving behind his partner and young daughter. Since then, he has reportedly struggled with unemployment and has been financially dependent on Tina.
As a result of the fire, Tina suffered third-degree burns and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in Benin City. The police investigation is ongoing, with both Osaro and Odaro facing charges in connection with the incident.
