In Ondo State, a 45-year-old woman named Abiodun, also known as “Iya Sunday,” poured petrol on her 86-year-old mother and set her on fire, accusing her of being responsible for her misfortunes.
The tragic incident took place at Surulere, an area opposite Anglican Cathedral Church in the Ondo West local government area, on Friday, June 14, 2024.
The victim, whose identity has not been confirmed, suffered severe first-degree burns covering her from head to toe and is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
According to an eyewitness, the daughter of the elderly woman arrived at her mother’s home around 5 am on Friday, blaming her for her spiritual troubles before committing the heinous act.
“We do not know what transpired between them before the incident, but the suspect has been arrested by police at the Enu-Owa division for further investigation,” the eyewitness stated.
Abiodun, the suspect, confirmed that she intentionally set her mother on fire because she had been informed that her mother was the cause of her troubles.
“I went to my mother’s house around 4 a.m. and sat outside. When it was 5 a.m., I called out my mother from the house. Immediately after she came out, not knowing what was happening, I poured petrol on her body and set her on fire.
“I went to one pastor for prayer, and he told me that my mother is behind what is happening to me. I did not believe it at first. My mother also took me somewhere to see a woman. After my mother left, the woman also told me the same thing. I burnt my mother because of what I heard from the pastor and the woman, that I can only be free from bondage when my mother is dead.”
