By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Police Command in Benue has arrested a suspect, Mbalumen Ikyenge, over the alleged arson that claimed the lives of two young girls in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Makurdi that the command received a report from the girls’ father, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, alleging that someone had set his house ablaze.
Edet said the victims, aged four and six, were rescued by neighbours and taken to hospital but later died while receiving treatment. She added that the suspect had been arrested and that investigations were ongoing.
The police spokesperson said the command was yet to establish the motive for the incident, dismissing speculation that it resulted from a relationship dispute.
However, eyewitnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the incident followed a disagreement between the suspect and the children’s father, although the police have not confirmed the claim.
Edet urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course while the circumstances surrounding the incident are being established.
