Tragedy struck in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State after a woman identified as Mbayegh allegedly set ablaze two daughters of her supposed lover.
According to local sources, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, Ukum LGA.
The woman was said to have visited the residence of her alleged lover, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, intending to spend time with him. However, she was reportedly asked to leave despite her pleas.
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Sources said she refused to leave the vicinity, suspecting that another woman had been brought into the house.
The father of the deceased children was said to have locked his two daughters in a round hut before retiring to another hut within the compound. His wife was reportedly away in a village in Taraba State for farming activities.
At about midnight, the suspect allegedly set fire to the hut where the girls were sleeping. The children sustained severe burns and were later confirmed dead.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the father of the victims reported the matter to the police.
“I don’t really know if it was a lovers’ quarrel that resulted in the act, but the report we received from the father was that someone set his house on fire,” Edet said.
“He said neighbours tried to rescue the girls and rushed them to the hospital, but sadly they died while receiving treatment.”
The police spokesperson said a suspect had been arrested and that investigation into the incident was ongoing.
Authorities have yet to establish the exact motive behind the attack.