By Charles Chijioke
A domestic conflict in Kano State has turned tragic after a woman was taken into police custody for allegedly setting her co-wife and two children on fire in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis.
The suspect, identified as Maryam Muhammad, is currently being held at the Mariri Police Division following the late-night incident that reportedly occurred at Mai Allo area of Hotoro quarters on Monday.
The victims — Firdausi Musa, 28, alongside two children, Khadija Ya’u, 7, and Ismail Ya’u, 3 — suffered severe burns after the suspect allegedly poured petrol on them before igniting the fire. The children were said to be from Firdausi’s previous marriage.
The attack has shocked residents of the community and sparked renewed concerns over rising cases of domestic violence and unresolved family disputes within polygamous homes.
The victims are currently receiving treatment at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, and the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano. Their husband and father, identified as Malam Saminu, was also reportedly injured while trying to rescue them from the flames and is undergoing treatment for burns.
Neighbours reportedly rushed to the scene after hearing desperate cries for help late in the night. Witnesses described the incident as horrifying, particularly because young children were caught in the attack.
Speaking to Daily Trust, Firdausi’s younger brother, Buhari Musa Sa’ad, said the family received an emergency call around 3 a.m. informing them that his sister, her husband and the children had been set ablaze.
“She is around 28 years old. The children who got burned are the ones she brought with her from her previous marriage. They are stepchildren to the husband, who works as a tricycle rider,” he said.
Another relative, Rukayya, disclosed that the victim had previously complained about threats and intimidation from the co-wife before the situation allegedly escalated into violence.
“We were lying down here when she was brought in, and she told us herself that it was her co-wife who poured petrol on her and lit a match,” she said.
Rukayya further explained that Firdausi had temporarily left the house earlier due to repeated threats but later returned after her husband reportedly intervened in an effort to settle the disagreement between the women.
The disturbing incident has generated sympathy across the area, with many residents calling for a thorough police investigation and stronger measures to address domestic abuse and violence within households.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Calls and messages sent to the Police Public
Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, were reportedly unanswered.
The case is expected to trigger wider conversations around family safety, conflict management in polygamous homes, and the protection of women and children from domestic violence-related attacks in northern Nigeria.
