A tragic house fire has left a family in mourning in Benue State. Police arrested a woman after two young girls lost their lives following the incident in Ukum Local Government Area.
ZAKI-BIAM, BENUE STATE — Benue State Police Command has arrested Mbalumen Ikyenge over a house fire that claimed the lives of two daughters of her alleged boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday night, July 5, while police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, according to the command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the arrest while speaking with journalists. She said the command received a report from the children’s father, who alleged that someone deliberately set his house on fire. Edet said investigators have not established the motive behind the incident and urged the public to allow the investigation to run its course.
According to residents who spoke about the incident, the suspect reportedly visited the residence of her alleged boyfriend on Sunday night but was asked to leave. The neighbours claimed she refused because she believed another woman was inside the compound. They further alleged that the children’s father had earlier settled his two daughters, aged four and six, in a separate round hut before retiring to another part of the compound. Residents alleged that the hut later caught fire during the night, and the flames spread rapidly.
The neighbours said they rushed to the scene after noticing the fire and managed to rescue the two children before taking them to a nearby hospital. However, the girls later died while receiving treatment for severe burn injuries, according to the residents. Police have not confirmed the claims made by witnesses regarding the events that led to the fire and said investigators are working to establish the facts.
The development means detectives will examine witness accounts, forensic evidence and other findings before determining the exact cause of the fire and any criminal responsibility. The Benue State Police Command said the investigation remains ongoing, while the suspect stays in custody pending the outcome of the inquiry. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
