A middle-aged woman identified as Mbayegh has been accused of setting her lover’s two children ablaze following a disagreement in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area.
According to community sources, Mbayegh had visited the residence of her lover, identified as Aondoyima Ierkwagh, before the tragic incident unfolded.
According to reports, Ierkwagh allegedly declined to let her stay and insisted that she leave despite her repeated pleas.
Angered by his decision, the woman reportedly refused to leave the premises.
“She perhaps thought that her man, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, had brought in another woman, which angered her,” the source said.
The source said, “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 spokesperson for the state command, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said that the father of the deceased girls had reported the case to the police.
The PPRO said, “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.
“So I can’t say whether it was a lovers’ quarrel, but a suspect was arrested and the investigation is currently ongoing.”