The Delta State Police Command has launched a search for a man named Ignatius in connection with allegations of arson and attempted murder, following reports that he set fire to his wife’s shop in Okpanam, located in the Asaba area of Delta State.
According to PUNCH Metro, the incident reportedly took place on Monday, February 23.
The victim, Juliet Opudiri, claimed that the suspect not only ignited the shop but also locked her foster child and an employee inside the caravan shop before fleeing the scene.
Opudiri, who manages the shop, told reporters that she lost all her merchandise in the fire, including items purchased on credit or through loan arrangements. She recounted that the blaze started while she was at home attending to her baby.
“I was feeding my baby when I heard a loud noise. I rushed to the window and saw that my shop was on fire. I dropped my baby and started shouting that my shop was burning. Neighbours rushed out and we all ran there,” she said.
She explained that residents initially attempted to extinguish the fire themselves before contacting the fire service, but by the time help arrived, the flames had already spread to neighbouring shops.
She added that people had tried breaking down doors and putting out the fire, but were unsuccessful.
According to her, when the fire service eventually arrived, they managed to extinguish the blaze, but all her belongings had already been destroyed.See_More…