A long trail of domestic violence ended in devastating tragedy in Akufo, Ido Local Government Area, where a 49-year-old man allegedly killed his wife by pouring acid on her before ingesting the corrosive substance himself. Both later died, leaving behind three surviving children battling sickle cell disorder and an uncertain future.
The victims, Mr Lekan Adedeji and Mrs Zainab Adedeji, had been married for more than 25 years. Family members say the marriage was marked by repeated episodes of abuse—violence that went unchecked for years and ultimately culminated in the fatal attack.
Read Also: She Refused Sex. He Killed Her. Zambia’s horror and Africa’s gender violence reckoning
Read Also: Walking Away Alive: Why one Nigerian woman cancelled her wedding and sparked a national reckoning
Relatives disclosed that the couple were unaware they both carried the sickle cell trait, a factor that contributed to the deaths of three of their six children earlier in the marriage. The surviving children—Rashida, Folawe, and Folahanmi—are all living with sickle cell disorder and now require constant medical care.
Speaking to Vanguard, the victim’s younger sister, Morufat Ashake, who has taken temporary custody of the children, described the chilling sequence of events. She said the tragedy unfolded in December when Mr Adedeji allegedly summoned his wife under the guise of giving her money for their daughter’s school fees.
According to Ashake, upon her arrival, he reportedly instructed one of their daughters to take the youngest child outside. Moments later, he poured acid on his wife and drank the substance himself.
Despite emergency medical intervention and more than ₦4 million spent on treatment by the family, Mrs. Adedeji died from her injuries. Her husband also succumbed.
The couple’s mother, Titilayo Ayoola, 62, confirmed that the marriage had been deeply troubled for years. Now grieving the loss of both children, she has assumed responsibility for the surviving grandchildren, children whose health needs are demanding and whose education is at risk.
In brief, emotional accounts, the children spoke of their loss and fear of what lies ahead, appealing for help to continue school and manage their condition.
Family members are now calling on the public, civil society groups, and government authorities to step in, warning that without urgent assistance, the children’s health and education could collapse under the weight of poverty and neglect.
Donations to support the children’s medical and educational needs can be made to Access Bank, Account Number: 1658068176, in the name of Titilayo Iyabo Samukoro.
