Woman arrested over arson that killed lover’s two daughters in Benue

A woman identified as Mbayegh has been arrested following an alleged arson attack that led to the deaths of the two teenage daughters of her lover in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

A resident, Afaakaa Sankera, said the suspect allegedly visited the residence of one Aondoyima Ierkwagh, said to be her lover, on Sunday night but was reportedly asked to leave the premises.

Witnesses alleged that the woman refused to leave after suspecting that another woman was inside the house, leading to an argument.

It was gathered that Aondoyima later locked his two daughters inside a traditional round hut and left the compound.

According to residents, the suspect allegedly set the hut ablaze, believing another woman was inside.

The two girls, who were asleep in the hut at the time, were caught in the fire.

One of the victims reportedly died at the scene, while the second sustained severe burns and later died in hospital.

The deceased were identified as the daughters of Aondoyima Ierkwagh, an indigene of Tsehe in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, who currently resides at his maternal home in Zaki-Biam.

Their mother was reportedly away in Taraba State for farming activities when the incident occurred.

The suspect was said to have 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.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect is in police custody and is being interrogated while investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Woman arrested over arson that killed lover’s two daughters in Benue