A young man, identified as Timothy Gilbert, has gone into hiding after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Angela Ogah, with a substance suspected to be acid in the Amufi area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Her lawyer, John Izegaegbe, confirmed on Monday that the incident occurred over the weekend, leaving Ogah with extensive burns.

He said a formal petition has been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urging swift action to apprehend the suspect.

Ogah, who sustained life-threatening injuries, is currently receiving care at a private hospital, where doctors are working to stabilise her.

When journalists visited, she was unable to speak due to the severity of her condition.

Izegaegbe called for intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect, stating

“We want the suspect arrested as quickly as possible. The victim is in unbearable pain. She could barely talk when journalists visited her. Gilbert fled after attacking her with a substance suspected to be acid. We are calling on the authorities to ensure he is tracked down without delay.”

Police authorities are expected to provide updates as the manhunt continues.