Tragedy in Benue as Woman Allegedly Sets Boyfriend’s Two Daughters Ablaze Over Suspected Infidelity

Tragedy in Benue as Woman Allegedly Sets Boyfriend’s Two Daughters Ablaze Over Suspected Infidelity

ZAKI-BIAM, Benue State – A wave of shock and grief has engulfed the quiet community of Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area following the gruesome death of two young sisters, aged 4 and 6, who were allegedly set ablaze by their father’s girlfriend in a fit of jealousy.

The suspect, identified as Mbalumen Ikyenge, is currently in police custody after she reportedly locked the victims inside a hut and set it on fire late Sunday night, believing that her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, was harbouring another woman inside the premises.

According to eyewitness accounts, trouble began when Ikyenge visited her boyfriend’s residence and was asked to leave. She allegedly refused, insisting that another woman was hiding in the house. An argument ensued, but the boyfriend reportedly dismissed her claims and retired for the night.

However, around midnight, neighbours were jolted from sleep by the sight of flames and the sound of crackling fire coming from a thatched hut within the compound. It was later discovered that Ikyenge had set the structure ablaze, unaware that the only occupants inside were the boyfriend’s two young daughters—not the alleged rival she had been hunting for.

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The victims, whose names have not been released by authorities, suffered severe burns. They were immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility by sympathisers, but were pronounced dead on arrival due to the degree of their injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command said the suspect was arrested shortly after the attack and has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for interrogation. A police source revealed that Ikyenge has made “statements implicating herself,” but has not yet offered a clear motive beyond suspicion of infidelity.

“We are treating this as a case of culpable homicide and arson,” the source said. “It is heartbreaking that two innocent children lost their lives because of an adult’s unfounded suspicion.”

The father of the deceased, Mr. Ierkwagh, was said to be inconsolable at the scene, wailing and blaming himself for the relationship that led to the tragic outcome. Community elders have condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric” and “unacceptable,” and have called for the full weight of the law to be brought against the suspect.

Local leaders have also urged the police to ensure a speedy investigation, while women’s groups in the area are using the tragedy to counsel couples on resolving disputes without resorting to violence.

As of press time, the police have not stated whether the suspect would be arraigned in court, but sources confirm that murder and arson charges are being prepared.

The bodies of the two sisters have been deposited at a morgue, pending autopsy and burial arrangements.

This tragic incident has once again cast a dark shadow over the growing spate of domestic violence in the region, leaving the community to mourn what many have called a “senseless and avoidable” loss of innocent life.

Tragedy in Benue as Woman Allegedly Sets Boyfriend’s Two Daughters Ablaze Over Suspected Infidelity