Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Ex-Girlfriend Ablaze in Oyo Barracks

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Lawal Faruq, a man accused of setting his ex-girlfriend on fire following the breakdown of their relationship.

According to reports, the incident occurred at a military barracks in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the case on X (formerly Twitter), alleged that the suspect claimed he and the victim had taken an oath never to part ways. However, tensions reportedly escalated after the relationship ended.

Faruq allegedly doused the victim, identified as Omolola Hassan, with petrol and set her ablaze in a fit of rage.

Eyewitnesses said military personnel at the barracks intervened swiftly, extinguished the flames, and rushed the victim to Yawiri Hospital, Akobo, for emergency medical treatment. The suspect was subsequently arrested and handed over to the police.

Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adewale Osifeso, told the Media that investigations were ongoing.

“Investigation is ongoing,” Osifeso said in a brief statement.

Incidents of gender-based violence and attacks linked to failed romantic relationships have become a growing concern across Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for awareness, prevention, and stricter enforcement of laws protecting victims.