The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man, identified as Lawal Faruq, for allegedly setting his former girlfriend, Omolola Hassan, ablaze following a dispute that ended their relationship.
A popular security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on X (formerly Twitter), revealed that the incident happened inside a military barracks in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He added that the suspect claimed he and the victim took an oath never to separate, but became angry after their relationship broke down.
Faruq allegedly poured petrol on Hassan and set her on fire during a confrontation.
According to the report, military personnel at the barracks quickly intervened, rescued the victim, and rushed her to Yawiri Hospital, Akobo, for treatment.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, said the case was under investigation.
“Investigation is ongoing,” Osifeso said in a brief message to our correspondent.
Incidents of violence linked to failed romantic relationships have been on the rise in recent years, often ending in death.
In July 2025, a student of the University of Port Harcourt, Cynthia Chukwundah, reportedly set her lover on fire during an argument over a pregnancy dispute. The victim later died from his injuries.
Similarly, in January 2023, a middle-aged man in Rivers State strangled and set his partner ablaze over alleged infidelity, while another man in Ogun State was arrested in April 2023 for burning down his ex-lover’s apartment after she refused to reconcile.
Earlier this month, a Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, succumbed to the injuries he sustained after his wife allegedly set him on fire during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of the state. It was reported that the late officer had a heated altercation with his wife, identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna, which escalated violently.
What do you think is responsible for the rise in violence after a romantic relationship breaks down? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below
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