A woman identified as Mbayegh has been arrested for allegedly setting a hut ablaze in Zaki-Biam, Benue State, killing her boyfriend’s two young daughters after mistakenly believing another woman was inside with him.
A woman allegedly burnt to death two teenage daughters of her boyfriend in the early hours of Monday at Kaffe in Zaki-Biam town, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, Daily Trust reports.
Daily Trust reports that the suspect, identified simply as Mbayegh, allegedly set a traditional round hut ablaze after suspecting another woman was inside with her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh. However, neither the man nor the suspected woman was in the hut — instead, his two daughters, Precious Ordo, 6, and Sember Ordo, 4, were asleep inside. One of the girls reportedly died at the scene, while the other died later at a hospital from injuries sustained in the fire.
Witnesses said Mbayegh had visited Ierkwagh’s residence on Sunday night but was asked to leave, resulting in a heated argument after she suspected another woman was present. Aondoyima had reportedly locked his daughters in the hut before leaving the compound.
The girls’ mother was said to be away in Taraba State for farming activities at the time of the incident. The suspect allegedly fled but was arrested near Tse-Dugwer village by members of the Benue State Volunteer Guards, who handed her to police.
The traditional ruler of Ukum, Chief Orkaa Kaave, confirmed the incident, saying, “It was a case of a jealous lover who suspected that her man friend was with his new found love in the hut and decided to set the hut ablaze to hurt both of them.”
Benue Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the suspect is in custody assisting investigators, but said the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
A psychosocial therapist at FMC Makurdi, Ukeh George, said a psychopathological assessment of the suspect would be needed, while forensic psychologist Geoffrey Orsuur said her family background and mental state must be examined before reaching conclusions about her actions.
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