A shocking incident occurred in Ondo State, where a 45-year-old woman, Abiodun, known locally as “Iya Sunday,” poured petrol on her 86-year-old mother and set her ablaze.
The attack, which took place on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Surulere area opposite Anglican Cathedral Church in the Ondo West local government area, was driven by Abiodun’s belief that her mother was behind her misfortunes.
The elderly victim, whose name has not yet been confirmed, sustained severe first-degree burns and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
An eyewitness reported that the tragedy unfolded when Abiodun visited her mother early in the morning, accusing her of causing her spiritual problems before committing the heinous act.
“What happened between them before the incident we don’t know, but the suspect has been arrested by police at the Enu-Owa division for further investigation,” the eyewitness said.
Abiodun admitted to the crime, stating that she acted on the advice of a pastor and another woman who claimed her mother was responsible for her difficulties.
“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,” Abiodun confessed.
A police source at Enu-Owa police station confirmed the arrest of the suspect and stated that the case would be transferred to the Police headquarters in Akure for further investigation.
