In a shocking incident in Ondo State, a 45-year-old woman, known as Abiodun and popularly called “Iya Sunday,” allegedly set her 86-year-old mother on fire in an attempt to kill her. The act was reportedly influenced by a pastor who told Abiodun that her mother’s death would release her from spiritual bondage.
According to witnesses, the tragic event occurred early on Friday morning around 5 a.m. in Surulere, opposite the Anglican Cathedral Church in the Ondo West local government area. Abiodun allegedly doused her mother with petrol and set her ablaze.
Eyewitness Sola Oladele recounted the events, stating that Abiodun arrived at her mother’s house in the early hours and called her outside. Once her mother stepped out, Abiodun poured petrol on her and ignited it. The elderly woman sustained severe burns and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Abiodun later explained her actions, claiming she was convinced by a pastor and another woman that her mother was behind her problems. “I went to my mother’s house around 4 a.m. and sat outside. When it was 5 a.m., I called out my mother from the house. Immediately after she came out, not knowing what was happening, I poured petrol on her body and set her on fire,” Abiodun stated. She further added, “I burnt my mother because of what I heard from the pastor and the woman, that I can only be freed from bondage when my mother is dead.”
The police have arrested Abiodun and taken her to the Enu-Owa division for initial investigation. According to police sources, the case will be transferred to the Police Headquarters in Akure for further investigation.
This incident highlights the devastating consequences of superstitious beliefs and the influence they can have on individuals, leading to tragic outcomes. The community remains in shock as authorities continue their investigation into the matter.