Residents of the Kaffe area in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, have been thrown into mourning following a horrific incident where a middle-aged woman, identified as Mbayegh, allegedly set her lover’s two daughters on fire after a domestic dispute.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 6, 2026.
According to community sources, the tragedy unfolded after Mbayegh visited the residence of her partner, Aondoyima Ierkwagh.
A disagreement broke out when Ierkwagh reportedly declined to let her stay the night, insisting she leave despite her repeated pleas.
Driven by jealousy
Angered by his refusal, Mbayegh stayed back on the premises. Local sources suggest she suspected her lover had secretly brought another woman into his home.
At the time of the incident, Ierkwagh’s wife was reportedly away in a village in Taraba State for seasonal farming activities.
Seeking to resolve the tension, Ierkwagh locked his two young daughters in one of the property’s round huts before retiring to another hut himself.
“At about midnight, the distraught woman, who was suspecting that another woman was in the hut, allegedly set the hut where the two daughters were sleeping ablaze,” a community source revealed.
The victims were severely burnt before neighbours could successfully extinguish the flames.
Police confirm arrest
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to journalists, stating that the father of the deceased children had formally reported the arson to the police.
“He said that neighbours tried to rescue the girls and rushed them to the hospital. Tragically, they died while receiving treatment,” DSP Edet said.
While the police could not immediately verify if the act stemmed strictly from a lovers’ quarrel, the PPRO confirmed that the prime suspect has been apprehended.
“A suspect was arrested, and the investigation is currently ongoing to unravel the full circumstances behind the incident,” Edet added.
Read Also: Nigerian-born man confesses to killing 23-year-old former lover in UK
