From Tony Osauzo, Benin
A 54- year-old Italy based businesswoman, Tina Uyi and her nonagenerian parents, narrowly escaped being burnt alive in the early hours of New Year Day after her estrangedhusband, 55,Osaro Ahunwan, allegedly set her apartment ablaze.
It was gathered that the victim, Tina , 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 fire incident which occurred in Idumwonwina, near Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
A witness said 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 and that upon inquiry, she discovered it was her estranged husband, Osaro, who banged the window, demanding entry into her apartment.
She was said to have allegedly refused him entry into her apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended as her family had returned her pride price since April, 2024.
Angered by Tina’s refusal to allow him into her apartment, Osaro 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 petrol, 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 neighbours intervened and successfully rescued Tina’s elderly parents( who are nonagenarians) 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”.
Speaking from her hospital bed, Tina, who sustained third-degree burns, alleged that sometime in 2023, Osaro had threatened to kill her and himself as well.
“Osaro destroyed my Lexus(330) SUV, when we had misunderstanding. He like 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 violence and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than two years”, she narrated.
Meanwhile, the Police in Ekiadolor, have arrested Osaro and his accomplice, Odaro Oviarobo ( Tina’s elder brother) over the incident.
It was gathered further that during interrogation, Osaro reportedly confessed that Tina’s elder brother, Odaro Oviarobo, popularly known as “OD,” provided him with detailed information about his sister (Tina’s) return itinerary.
Besiedes, he allegedly admitted that he (Osaro) payed Odaro ₦5,000 for the information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment with the container of petrol, just as he claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was also supplied by Odaro.
Informed sources disclosed that Odaro harboured grievances against his sister, Tina, accusing her of withholding financial assistance to him, despite building a hotel.
It was learnt that Tina had previously sponsored Odaro’s trip abroad in 2003, but he returned to Nigeria on his own volition after 10 years, leaving behind his partner and a baby girl.
It was further gathered that since his return, he has reportedly been unemployed and reliant on Tina for financial support.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Moses Yamu, said he was yet to speak to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ekiadolor Division for full details.