A Benue family has released the obituary of two children who died after being set ablaze by their father's lover in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state. The suspect, identified as Mbayegh, allegedly set the two children, Precious and Seember, ablaze over a minor disagreement with their father.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam. According to community sources, the woman had visited the residence of her lover, identified as Aondoyima Ierkwagh. It was gathered that 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.
Sequence of Events
The source further disclosed that the man, whose wife had traveled to a village in Taraba State for farming activities, later locked his two daughters in a round hut before entering another hut. "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 obituary, released by the family, mourns the loss of Precious and Seember, who were described as innocent victims of a senseless act. Community members have expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, calling for justice.
