- Police Arrest Woman After Fire Claims Two Teenage Sisters in Benue
- The suspect allegedly set the hut on fire, believing another woman was inside
- Edet added that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident
A woman identified as Mbayegh has been arrested by the police over an alleged arson attack that claimed the lives of two teenage daughters of her alleged lover in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Eko Hot Blog reports.
According to residents, the incident occurred on Sunday night after the suspect allegedly visited the residence of Aondoyima Ierkwagh, said to be her lover, but was reportedly asked to leave the premises.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Tinubu To Deploy Emerging Technologies Against Insecurity
- Iya Alakara: How Tinubu Turned an Online Joke Into a Leadership Moment
- Army Making Tremendous Progress in Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers – COAS
Witnesses alleged that the woman refused to leave after suspecting another woman was inside the house, leading to an argument.
Residents said Aondoyima later locked his two daughters inside a traditional round hut before leaving the compound.
The suspect allegedly set the hut on fire, believing another woman was inside.
The two girls, who were asleep at the time, were trapped in the fire. One reportedly died at the scene, while the second sustained severe burns and later died in hospital.
The victims were identified as the daughters of Aondoyima Ierkwagh, an indigene of Tsehe in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, who resides at his maternal home in Zaki-Biam.
Their mother was reportedly away in Taraba State for farming activities when the incident occurred.
Residents said the suspect attempted to flee after the incident but was apprehended by members of the Volunteer Guards near Tse-Dugwer village before being handed over to the police.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspect is in police custody and is being interrogated.
Edet added that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work.
FURTHER READING
- Senate Moves To Hold South Africa Accountable Over Attacks On Nigerians
- Tinubu Orders Assessment of Flooding Along Lagos Coastal Corridor
- Alausa Unveils Nigeria’s First Manu-Tech University Innovation Pod at MOUAU
Click here to watch video of the week
