A woman has been arrested by the Benue State Police Command after two young girls reportedly died in a fire that engulfed their father’s home in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Mbalumen Ikyenge, is alleged to have set the house of her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, ablaze during the early hours of Sunday, July 5, following a suspected relationship dispute.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of Ierkwagh’s two daughters, aged four and six, who sustained severe burns after the fire spread to the hut where they were sleeping.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command received a report from the children’s father alleging that someone had deliberately set his house on fire.
Edet disclosed that the suspect had been taken into custody, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances and motive behind the attack.
While the police said they were yet to establish a motive, residents of the community claimed the fire was triggered by a domestic dispute.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect visited her boyfriend’s residence on Sunday night but was asked to leave. She allegedly refused, believing another woman was inside the house with him.
Witnesses further alleged that Ierkwagh had locked his two daughters in a separate round hut before retiring to another hut for the night.
At about midnight, the suspect allegedly set one of the huts on fire, reportedly believing her boyfriend and another woman were inside. However, the flames quickly spread to the hut where the two children were asleep.
Neighbours reportedly rushed to the scene, rescued the girls from the burning structure and took them to a hospital. Despite efforts to save them, both children later died from injuries sustained in the fire.
The police have assured that a thorough investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
