Tragedy struck in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, after two young sisters, aged four and six, died when their family home was allegedly set ablaze.
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspect, identified as Mbalumen Ikyenge, in connection with the incident.
Confirming the development on Tuesday in Makurdi, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command received a report from the girls’ father, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, alleging that someone had deliberately 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 neighbors rushed the children to the hospital after rescuing them from the burning house, but both girls later died while receiving treatment for severe burns.
“The victims were aged four and six. Neighbors 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,” the police spokesperson added.
Edet confirmed that Ikyenge had been taken into custody and that detectives had commenced a full investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity claimed the fire may have been triggered by a relationship dispute.
According to the witnesses, the suspect allegedly visited her boyfriend, Ierkwagh, on Sunday night but was asked to leave after suspecting another woman was inside the house.
The witnesses further alleged that Ierkwagh had locked his two daughters in a separate round hut before retiring to another hut. They claimed that around midnight, the suspect allegedly set the hut on fire, believing another woman was inside. Instead, the flames engulfed the structure where the two children were sleeping.
The girls were reportedly rescued by neighbors and taken to hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fire and establish the motive behind the attack.
Edet urged residents to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work.
