A woman has been arrested in Benue after a house fire allegedly claimed the lives of her boyfriend’s two daughters. Police have launched an investigation.
A devastating fire incident has left residents of Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State in mourning after two young sisters reportedly lost their lives in a blaze that police believe may have been deliberately started.
The heartbreaking tragedy has sparked widespread grief within the community while investigators work to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the children’s deaths.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that a woman identified as Mbalumen Ikyenge has been taken into custody over her alleged involvement in the incident.
Authorities say the suspect is believed to have set fire to the residence of her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, although police insist investigations are still ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached regarding the motive behind the attack.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, officers received a report from the children’s father, who informed the police that someone had intentionally set his house ablaze.
Following the report, detectives were immediately deployed to the scene to begin preliminary investigations and gather evidence.
While the police have yet to officially state what triggered the incident, several residents who spoke about the tragedy claimed the suspected arson may have stemmed from a disagreement involving the suspect and her boyfriend.
According to eyewitness accounts, the woman reportedly visited the man’s residence on Sunday night, July 5.
Community members alleged that she was asked to leave the compound after arriving, but tensions escalated when she allegedly became convinced that another woman was inside the house with her boyfriend.
Although these claims have not been independently verified by investigators, residents said the disagreement continued before the woman eventually left the premises.
Witnesses further alleged that before going to bed, Ierkwagh had allowed his two daughters, aged four and six, to sleep inside a separate traditional round hut within the family compound, while he retired to another structure nearby.
Residents claimed that shortly after midnight, flames suddenly engulfed one of the huts in the compound.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect allegedly returned and set the structure on fire, reportedly believing another woman was inside. Instead, the blaze rapidly spread to the hut where the two little girls were asleep.
The fire quickly intensified before neighbours noticed the flames and rushed to the scene in an attempt to save those trapped inside.
Community members reportedly forced their way into the burning structure and succeeded in rescuing the children. However, the girls had already sustained severe burns before they could be pulled from the flames.
The victims were immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility, where doctors battled to save their lives.
Sadly, despite receiving emergency treatment, both children later died from complications arising from the injuries they suffered in the fire.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through Zaki-Biam, with many residents describing the incident as one of the most heartbreaking events to occur in the community in recent times.
Families and neighbours have continued to express grief over the deaths of the young sisters, whose lives were cut short in the devastating blaze.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said investigators are carefully examining all available evidence to determine exactly what happened.
She noted that although the suspect has been arrested, the command has not yet established the motive behind the alleged act.
According to her, detectives are interviewing witnesses, gathering forensic evidence where possible, and documenting statements that may assist in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of interfering with the ongoing investigation.
Legal experts note that allegations made by witnesses remain subject to police verification, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Benue State Police Command reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.
Authorities assured residents that anyone found culpable after the completion of investigations would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on establishing the true circumstances surrounding the deadly fire while the grieving family prepares to lay the two young victims to rest.
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