Tragedy struck in Akufo community, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, after a 49-year-old man allegedly attacked his wife with acid before ingesting the substance himself.
As reported by Vanguard, the incident, which reportedly followed years of domestic violence, claimed the lives of the couple, identified as Lekan Adedeji, 49, and his wife, Zainab, 44, leaving behind three surviving children said to be battling sickle cell disorder.
Family sources disclosed that the couple, who had been married for over 25 years, had a history of violent disagreements, adding that they were unaware they both carried the sickle cell trait, a situation blamed for the loss of three of their six children.
The younger sister of the deceased woman, Morufat Ashake, who has now taken custody of the children, said the fatal incident occurred in December 2025.
Ashake alleged that Adedeji invited his wife to their home under the guise of giving her money for their daughter’s school fees.
She explained that upon her arrival, the man allegedly ordered their daughter to take the youngest child outside before he poured acid on his wife.
The suspect was also said to have consumed the acid shortly after the attack.
It was gathered that the woman was rushed for medical attention, but later died after the family reportedly spent over N4m on treatment.
The couple’s mother, Titilayo Ayoola, 62, was said to have confirmed that the marriage had been troubled for years and that she is now saddled with the responsibility of caring for the surviving children, who require constant medical attention.
The children, identified as Rashida, Folawe and Folahanmi, were said to be struggling to cope with the loss while seeking support to continue their education and manage their health condition.
Meanwhile, the family
has appealed to the public for assistance to help cater for the children’s medical and educational needs.
They said contributions can be made to an Access Bank account number 1658068176, in the name of Titilayo Iyabo Samukoro.u