A printer, Nnamdi Anieche, speaks with IKENNA OBIANERI about the tragic death of his 37-year-old sister, Chioma Nwana, a mother of five, who was set on fire by her husband over alleged infidelity.
What do you do for a living?
I am from Umuneochi in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. Chioma Nwana, my sister, was set ablaze by her husband in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, also in Anambra State. I work as a printer and am married with six children.
What was your late sister’s position in the family?
Our parents had seven children—six daughters and one son. I am the only male among them. Our father had two wives. My late sister was the first daughter of her mother but the third child overall. Her mother had four daughters, while my mother had two daughters and a son.
How did you learn about your sister’s death?
The news was a huge shock to our family, and we are still struggling to cope with it. I don’t recall the exact date I received the news, but it was about two days after she attended a traditional wedding in our village. We were informed that her husband had set her on fire, which was around January 19, 2025. She passed away a few days later.
Who informed you about the incident?
Her eldest son, who is 17 years old, called me using his mother’s phone. He told me that while he was at school, someone called him to say his father had set his mother on fire. He rushed home, but by then, she had already been taken to the hospital. When he arrived at the hospital, he used her phone to call and inform me.
How did the incident occur?
There are different versions of the story. Some say her husband poured fuel on her, went inside to get a match, and then set her on fire. However, I was told that, as a welder, he always carried a lighter in his pocket. That day, after my sister returned from work, they got into an argument. He fetched a keg of fuel, poured it on her, and immediately ignited his lighter. She was burning but still moving and crying for help, which attracted neighbors who rushed her to the hospital.
When we realized she wasn’t receiving adequate care at that hospital, we transferred her to another facility. Her eldest son told me that their father had instructed them to leave for school early that morning before the incident happened.
What did you do upon hearing the news?
I immediately contacted another relative, and we set out for Abagana that evening on my motorcycle. It was a long journey from Oraifite. By the time we reached the hospital, it was late. Inside, I saw my sister lying helplessly on the bed, her body severely burned from head to toe.
How did she react when she saw you?
She began crying and said, “Brother, look at where marriage has led me. This marriage is leading me to an untimely death. Can I survive this? Please take care of my children.” I told her to stop speaking like that and assured her she would recover.
Despite her pain, she attempted to sit up but couldn’t. I was deeply moved, but I held back my emotions so as not to distress her further. I reassured her and tried to comfort her, even though I regretted leaving that night, not knowing it would be our last conversation.
Did she ever tell any family member about her marital struggles?
No, she didn’t. Just a few days before the incident, on January 11, 2025, I accompanied her to the motor park as she returned to Abagana after attending a traditional wedding in our village. I paid for her transport fare and asked about her family. She said everything was fine and never mentioned any problems with her husband.
Did she explain what led to the attack while at the hospital?
Yes, she said they had ongoing conflicts for years. She revealed that her husband had previously injured her with broken bottles and had threatened multiple times to pour fuel on her and set her on fire, which he eventually did.
I was shocked and asked, “Why didn’t you tell us so you could return home with your children?”
What was her response?
She said she chose to bear her suffering silently, believing it was her burden to carry. She endured it all for the sake of her children, fearing they would have no one to care for them if she left. She saw it as a private matter between husband and wife.
I then asked, “Now that this has happened, what will become of your children?” We had a long conversation before leaving the hospital, planning to return the next day—but she passed away before morning.
Who informed you about her death?
Around 3 a.m. the next day, her eldest son called again to tell us she had died. It was devastating news.
Had the hospital begun treatment before she passed?
The hospital demanded a deposit of N450,000 for treatment and N150,000 for medication, totaling N600,000. We assured them treatment should start and that we would bring the money the next day. Unfortunately, she didn’t survive.
Did you meet her husband at the hospital?
No, we didn’t find him at their home or the hospital. In a way, I am grateful we didn’t because, in our pain and anger, we might have taken revenge, leading to another tragedy.
Where did he go?
We were told that after committing the act, he went to the police station, confessed, and was taken into custody.
Have you seen him since the incident?
Yes, we visited the police station. The moment he saw us, he started crying, claiming it was the devil’s work and that he didn’t know what he had done.
How did you confront him?
I asked, “What happened? Was there a problem so serious that you had to set your wife on fire?” He kept saying it was the devil’s work. I then asked, “Now that you’ve killed her, what have you gained?” He just cried.
What punishment do you think he deserves?
People have urged us to seek revenge, but vengeance belongs to God. If asked, I would say he should be sentenced to life imprisonment for the sake of the children. If he is given the death penalty, they will be left without both parents.
Did you know he accused your sister of infidelity?
Yes, I heard about it and confronted her at the hospital. She denied it, saying she often returned home late because she worked as a caterer to provide for her children. Her husband was simply jealous and refused to understand.
Did her in-laws do anything when the incident happened?
No, not a single person from her husband’s family came to the hospital. We were the ones taking care of everything. My maternal uncle even provided the money to begin her treatment.
Where is her body now?
We took her remains to a mortuary in Abagana. The mortuary asked for a deposit of N200,000, which we didn’t have. We pleaded with them to keep her body until we could return with the money, but they refused. It was only after a police officer intervened that they agreed, and later, the local government chairman helped settle the bill.
How has this tragedy affected your family?
We are devastated. If my sister had confided in us, maybe this could have been prevented. Our main concern now is her children.
Where are they staying now?
They have been living with me since the incident. I now care for 11 children—my six and her five. It’s overwhelming, which is why I am pleading for assistance from the government and kind-hearted individuals. I can’t do this alone.
How are the children coping?
We are trying to comfort them and ease their grief.
Did your sister’s husband visit your home often?
Only once, after they moved back from Jos five years ago.
What work did he do?
He was a welder.
And your sister?
She was a trader and did other jobs to support the family. She practically shouldered all their financial responsibilities.
What will you miss most about her?
Her kindness and forgiving nature. She endured so much but never held grudges. Women going through domestic violence should learn to speak out instead of suffering in silence.