Herbalist’s Wife Scalds Co-Wife With Boiling Water In Cross River

Drama In Cross River As Herbalist’s Wife Scalds Co-Wife With Boiling Water
Family tensions reportedly linked to bride price and traditional marriage rites
Victim sustained severe burns and is receiving treatment in hospital

A domestic dispute in Cross River State reportedly turned violent after a woman allegedly poured hot water on her husband’s second wife during an argument linked to family tensions and marital status.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning in Wodah village, Yala Local Government Area of northern Cross River State.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the suspect, identified as Blessing, is said to be the first wife of a herbalist popularly known in the community as Dr. Respect Ogar. The victim, Mary, reportedly sustained severe burns to parts of her body and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Sources in the community alleged that tensions had been building within the family after the herbalist formally paid the bride price and completed traditional marriage rites for Mary, his second wife, while Blessing, despite spending years with him and having five sons, had not undergone formal traditional marriage rites.

A resident identified as Ochuole claimed the development had caused repeated disagreements between the two women.

“The second wife constantly mocked Blessing because the husband completed her bride price and traditional marriage rites, even though she has no child for him, while the first wife, who has been with him for years and has five sons, was never formally married,” the source alleged.

According to community members, the disagreement escalated on Saturday after another exchange between the co-wives allegedly triggered the attack.

Residents claimed Mary frequently boasted about receiving better treatment from the herbalist, including claims that he bought land for her and rented an apartment in town.

The comments were said to have further strained relations within the household before the alleged assault occurred.

Mary was initially rushed to Life First Clinic in Abachor before she was later transferred to Ogoja General Hospital for further treatment.

Sources said plans were being made to move her to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for specialised care due to the severity of her injuries.

Herbalist’s Wife Scalds Co-Wife With Boiling Water In Cross River

Meanwhile, Blessing was reportedly arrested by police following the incident.

She was initially taken to the Okuku Police Station before being transferred to the Divisional Police Station in Okpoma amid fears of possible retaliation from the victim’s relatives and to allow further investigation into the matter.