Benue: Lady Held Over Fire That Killed Boyfriend's Young Daughters

Authorities in Benue State have taken into custody a woman identified as Mbalumen Ikyenge, following allegations that she deliberately set fire to her boyfriend's residence. This tragic incident, which occurred in Zaki-Biam, located within Ukum Local Government Area, led to the demise of his two daughters, aged four and six.

Confirming these developments to journalists, DSP Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, stated that the police received a report from the father of the deceased children, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, detailing that an individual had ignited his home. DSP Edet further mentioned that the police are currently working to ascertain the precise motive behind the attack.

However, accounts from several neighbours suggest the incident was rooted in a dispute concerning the couple's relationship. According to these witnesses, the suspect arrived at her boyfriend's house on Sunday night, July 5, but was reportedly asked to leave. The aggrieved girlfriend allegedly refused to depart, harbouring suspicions that another woman was present with her boyfriend inside the dwelling.

Witnesses further recounted that Mr. Ierkwagh had secured his two young daughters inside a separate, round hut before he retired to another hut. Around midnight, the suspect reportedly ignited the hut, mistakenly believing it was where the other woman was located. Tragically, the flames engulfed the structure where the two little girls were sleeping. Though neighbours managed to rescue the children and quickly transport them to a hospital, they later succumbed to the severe burns they sustained. DSP Edet affirmed that the command is actively investigating all aspects surrounding this unfortunate event.