A non-governmental organisation, Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), has condemned the alleged setting ablaze of a woman by her husband in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, and called on authorities to ensure the survivor is protected and the case is diligently prosecuted.
The organisation said it was reacting to reports that Jacob Irewa allegedly set his wife, Berida Irawo, on fire following a domestic dispute at Oworo Estate, Felele, in Lokoja.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Executive Director, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, CPI described the incident as “a serious violation of human dignity and a disturbing case of domestic and gender-based violence.”
According to the statement, the Kogi State Police Command said the incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, arising from a domestic disagreement between the couple. Irewa was subsequently arrested in connection with an alleged attempted culpable homicide involving his wife.
CPI said police investigations indicated that the suspect admitted in his statement to setting his wife ablaze. The survivor, the organisation said, is currently receiving medical treatment in Felele after surviving the attack.
The NGO commended the Kogi State Police Command for its swift response, including the arrest of the suspect and the opening of an investigation, noting that police have indicated the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
However, CPI insisted that no domestic disagreement could justify violence of any kind. “Disagreements within families must be addressed through lawful and peaceful means. No person should be subjected to violence in the home, regardless of gender, social position, occupation or religious affiliation,” the organisation said.
The group also took a swipe at attempts to shield perpetrators on account of status, stressing that the suspect’s reported position as a religious leader did not place him above the law. “Accountability must be based on the evidence and applicable law,” it said.
CPI, which has advocated for the passage and implementation of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, urged the state to fully apply the law in the case, noting that it provides protection against spousal battery and attacks involving harmful substances.
The organisation called on the police to conclude their investigation promptly and professionally, preserve all relevant evidence, and proceed to prosecution based on the evidence gathered. It also urged that the process be conducted without interference.
CPI further appealed to the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to ensure the survivor receives adequate medical treatment, psychosocial support and legal assistance, and to protect her from any intimidation or pressure to withdraw the case.
On the judicial process, the group said any decisions on bail or other measures should be made by competent authorities in line with the law, while taking the survivor’s safety into account.
CPI also called on religious bodies, faith-based organisations and community leaders across the state to intensify public education on domestic violence, conflict resolution and responsible conduct, warning that religious status must never be used to shield perpetrators or discourage survivors from seeking help.
The organisation urged members of the public to report cases of domestic violence promptly to relevant authorities rather than resorting to retaliation or informal settlements that could endanger survivors further.
It said it would continue to monitor developments in the case within the limits appropriate for an ongoing criminal investigation. “Domestic violence is a serious violation of human dignity. Marriage, family relationships, religious office or social standing cannot provide justification or immunity for violence,” CPI stated.
