A woman identified as Blessing, wife of a herbalist known as Dr Respect Ogar, has been arrested for allegedly pouring hot water on her husband’s second wife during a domestic dispute in Cross River State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday morning in Wodah village, Yala Local Government Area of Northern Cross River. According to sources in the community, tension had been building between the two women over issues surrounding marriage rights and family treatment.
Residents alleged that the conflict started after the herbalist completed the bride price and traditional marriage rites for his second wife, Mary, while Blessing, who has lived with him for many years and has five sons, had reportedly not received the same formal recognition.
A village source claimed that Mary frequently mocked Blessing over the situation, boasting that the husband had purchased land for her and rented an apartment in town while the first wife had received no such benefits. The source said the repeated taunts angered Blessing and led to the violent confrontation.
According to eyewitness accounts, an argument broke out between the two women on Saturday morning before Blessing allegedly poured a pot of boiling water on Mary, leaving her with severe burns on her chest and stomach.
Mary was initially rushed to Life First Clinic in Abachor before being transferred to Ogoja General Hospital for treatment. Medical sources said arrangements were being made to move her to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further care.
Police authorities reportedly arrested Blessing shortly after the incident and first detained her at Okuku Police Station. Due to fears of possible retaliation from Mary’s relatives, she was later moved to the Divisional Police Station in Okpoma for safety and ongoing investigation.
The incident has sparked reactions within the community, with residents expressing concern over rising cases of domestic violence linked to family disputes and economic hardship.
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