The father of Cynthia Chikanma, the young woman alleged to have set her boyfriend, Sunny Amadi, ablaze in Choba, Rivers State, has denied the viral reports, claiming the fire was the result of a tragic altercation and not a premeditated act.
In a telephone conversation, he explained that his daughter and her friend Benedicta told him Sunny visited Cynthia’s residence after hearing she was about to marry another man. During the heated encounter, both allegedly poured fuel on each other, which led to a fire outbreak.
He said Cynthia is currently in a critical condition in a hospital in Choba, while Sunny is being treated at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Reports on Sunny’s condition remain conflicting, with some claiming he is dead and others saying he is still alive.
The father noted that the incident has sparked tension between Elibrada, Sunny’s community, and Edeoha, their hometown. He said he decided to speak out due to the misleading reports circulating online.
A separate source also alleged that Sunny brought a candle in an attempt to harm Cynthia after dousing her with fuel, but she pushed him away during the struggle, resulting in both of them being burned.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from Sunny’s anger after learning of Cynthia’s plans to marry another man from Kalabari.