A middle-aged woman identified as Mbayegh has been arrested by the Benue State Police Command for allegedly setting fire to a hut containing her lover's two daughters, resulting in their deaths. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, following a disagreement with the children's father, Aondoyima Ierkwagh.
Dispute Leads to Deadly Arson
According to community sources who spoke to The Punch, the woman visited Ierkwagh's residence but was refused entry. The man insisted she leave despite her pleas, leading to her anger and suspicion that he had brought another woman into the home. The children's mother had reportedly traveled to a village in Taraba State for farming activities. Ierkwagh locked his two daughters in a round hut before entering another hut for the night.
“At about midnight, the distraught woman, who was suspecting that the other woman was in the hut, allegedly set the hut where the two daughters were sleeping ablaze, and they were burnt beyond recognition,” the source said.
Police Confirm Arrest and Investigation
The state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the father reported the case to the police. Edet stated that the suspect was arrested and an investigation is ongoing. “I don’t really know if it was a lovers’ quarrel that resulted in the act, but the report we got from the father of the girls, who reported to the police, was that a person set his house on fire. He said that neighbours tried to rescue the girls and rushed them to the hospital. Tragically, they died while receiving treatment,” Edet said.
Community in Shock
The tragic event has left the Zaki-Biam community in mourning. Residents expressed disbelief over the incident, which stemmed from a lovers' quarrel. The two girls were reportedly aged between 4 and 7, though their exact ages have not been confirmed by authorities.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent disputes in Nigeria. In a separate case, a tricycle rider identified as IK allegedly beat his lover and mother of two to death in Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, fleeing and leaving her corpse with their children. Similarly, police arrested Malime Ejor for killing his girlfriend, Moshie Igu, over alleged infidelity in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Police Urge Calm
Police have urged the public to allow the investigation to take its course and have called for calm in the community. The suspect is in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
