A woman identified as Blessing has been arrested after allegedly pouring hot water on her co-wife during a domestic dispute in Cross River State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday morning in Wodah village, located in Yala Local Government Area of the state.
According to community sources, Blessing is the first wife of a herbalist identified as Respect Ogar, while the victim, Mary, is said to be the man’s second wife.
Residents alleged that tension had been building within the family after the herbalist reportedly completed the bride price and traditional marriage rites for Mary, despite Blessing having lived with him for years and allegedly bearing five sons for him without formal traditional marriage rites being performed.
A village source claimed that repeated taunts and mockery from the second wife reportedly triggered the confrontation.
According to eyewitness accounts, the disagreement escalated on Saturday morning when Blessing allegedly poured a pot of boiling water on Mary, leaving her with severe burns on her chest and stomach.
The injured woman was initially rushed to a private clinic in Abachor before being moved to Ogoja General Hospital for treatment. Sources said arrangements were being made to transfer her to University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further medical care.
Following the incident, Blessing was reportedly arrested and first taken to the Okuku Police Station.
However, due to fears of possible retaliation from the victim’s family members, she was later transferred to the Divisional Police Station in Okpoma for safety and further investigation.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter as investigations continue.