A domestic dispute in Northern Cross River State has left a woman severely burned after she was allegedly attacked with boiling water by her co-wife in Wodah village, Yala Local Government Area.
The victim, identified as Mary, is said to be the second wife of a herbalist known as Dr. Respect Ogar. She is currently receiving treatment at Ogoja General Hospital and is expected to be transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further care.
According to local accounts, tensions between Mary and the first wife, Blessing, had been building for some time over issues tied to marriage rites and household status.
Sources in the village said Blessing, who had been married to the herbalist for years and has five sons with him, was reportedly not formally married through traditional rites. In contrast, Mary’s bride price and marriage rites were said to have been completed, a situation that allegedly created resentment within the household.
Residents claim Mary had been taunting the first wife over her marital standing, including references to land ownership and accommodation provided by the husband.
The situation reportedly escalated on Saturday morning when Blessing allegedly poured boiling water on Mary after another confrontation. The victim sustained severe burns on her chest and stomach.
Mary was first rushed to a local clinic in Abachor before arrangements were made to move her to a teaching hospital in Calabar for specialised treatment.
Police in the area have arrested Blessing in connection with the incident. She was initially taken to Okuku Police Station but later moved to Okpoma Divisional Police Station amid concerns over possible retaliation from the victim’s family.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.
