A middle-aged man has reportedly set ablaze his duplex apartment in Ezinifite, Okpuno in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State on Sunday.
The man who is said to be a dealer in building materials from Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, allegedly committed the arson over lingering depression following unresolved dispute with his family..
It was gathered that the wife had connived with the children to seize the papers of the property, including one of the sons who was said to have fled with part of his wealth.
A neighbour who identified himself as Ulasi Obiora alleged that the man’s intention was to wipe away his entire family, including himself.
He said, “The man poured fuel inside their bedroom and put fire which spread to parts of the building before the arrival of men of the fire service.
“I learnt he’s having various issues with the wife but no one expected he would go to that extent. Thank God everyone in the house escaped before the fire engulfed the building.”
State Fire Service Chief, Dr. Martin Agbili, while confirming the incident described it as case of arson, noting that the building was already in flames when his men arrived.
He said although some property were destroyed, no life was lost to the inferno.
He added that two other residential apartments were gutted by fire same day in various locations within the state capital.
Agbili said one of the inferno occurred at Ugwu Tank, Amawbia in lockup shops, while the other happened at Obiano Close, Rockland Estate, Awka.
He said while the Amawbia fire was caused by power outage, that of Rockland estate was a result of explosion of inverter batteries.
