A tragic incident unfolded in Ondo State when Abiodun, a 45-year-old woman known locally as “Iya Sunday,” set her 86-year-old mother ablaze using petrol, allegedly believing her mother was responsible for her misfortunes.
The horrifying event occurred on Friday in Surulere, opposite the Anglican Cathedral Church in the Ondo West local government area.
The elderly victim, whose name has not been confirmed, sustained severe burns across her entire body and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
According to eyewitness Sola Oladele, Abiodun arrived at her mother’s house around 5 a.m. She called her mother outside, doused her in petrol, and set her on fire.
The reason behind this act remains unclear, but Abiodun has been arrested by police at the Enu-Owa division, who are conducting further investigations.
Abiodun confessed to committing the act due to a belief that her mother was the source of her troubles. She recounted, “I went to my mother’s house around 4 a.m. and sat outside.
When it was 5 a.m., I called her out. As soon as she came out, not knowing what was happening, I poured petrol on her and set her on fire.”
She explained that a pastor had told her that her mother was behind her problems. Initially skeptical, Abiodun was later taken by her mother to see another woman who confirmed the pastor’s claim.
This dual confirmation led Abiodun to believe that her freedom from suffering depended on her mother’s death.
The Enu-Owa police division confirmed the incident, stating that the case would be transferred to Akure for further investigation.
