Pregnant woman burns self to death over ‘quarrel’ with co-wife in Kano

A 28-year-old mother of six, Rabiu Musa has reportedly set herself ablaze following an alleged misunderstanding with her co-wife at Sabuwar Unguwa, Gayawa Ward of Ungoggo local government area of Kano State.

DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday when the deceased husband, Badamasi Sufyan, went out to a nearby mosque for the early morning prayer.

Late Rabi’s neighbor, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the death might not be unconnected with the protracted crisis the deceased was having with her co-wife, who was taken as a second wife by her husband about 6 months ago.

The neighbor disclosed that late Rabi reportedly died with a few month-old pregnancy.

According to her, when the husband returned home, he found his wife in flames and had to rush outside crying for help.

“As good Samaritans bumped into the house to rescue the woman, she was already burnt beyond recognition.

“We all gathered here mourning until police arrived and evacuated the charred body of the deceased in a rice sack for burial.

“It is a horrific incident that left all of us devastated.

“She took her children to a separate room and remained the the room where she set herself ablaze.

“Most of the people in this neighborhood are aware of Rabi’s extremely jealous nature.

“She has been in crisis with her co-wife since her husband took in a second wife about six months ago.

“That is what prompted the husband to separate them and relocated late Rabi to this area.

“I’m not certain, but this incident might not be unconnected with that jealousy,” the neighbor said.

When contacted, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa confirmed the incident, saying that the command had received the information of a fire outbreak in Gayawa area at about 7am.

He added that information at their disposal revealed that the fire went on when Sufyanu went to mosque for a morning prayer, but returned home to see his house on fire and his wife burnt beyond recognition.

The PPRO said the Police officers on ground evacuated the deceased body to Murtala Muhammad Hospital and, afterwards handed it over to her family.

Mr Haruna also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Habu Sani had ordered for a discreet investigation to unravel the mystery behind the death of the woman.