The Benue State Police Command has arrested a woman, Mbalumen Ikyenge, over the alleged arson attack that claimed the lives of two young girls in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident in Makurdi on Tuesday, saying the police received a report from the father of the deceased children, who alleged that someone had set his house on fire.
“I don’t really know if it was a lovers’ quarrel that resulted in the act, but the report we got from the father of the girls was that someone set his house on fire,” Edet said.
She disclosed that the victims were aged four and six years.
According to her, neighbours rushed the children to the hospital after rescuing them from the burning house, but they later died while receiving treatment.
“Neighbours tried to rescue the girls by rushing them to the hospital, but they died while receiving treatment. So, I can’t say whether it was a lovers’ quarrel,” she added.
Edet confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the motive.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses alleged that the fire was triggered by a dispute between the suspect and her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh.
According to NAIJAONPOINT es, Ikyenge visited Ierkwagh’s residence on Sunday night but was asked to leave. They claimed she refused to do so because she suspected another woman was inside the house.
NAIJAONPOINT es further alleged that Ierkwagh had locked his two daughters in a separate round hut before retiring to another hut for the night.
They claimed that at about midnight, Ikyenge allegedly set one of the huts on fire, believing another woman was inside. However, the flames spread to the hut where the two girls were sleeping.
The children were reportedly rescued by neighbours and taken to the hospital, where they later succumbed to severe burns.
Edet urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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