Woman accused of setting hut ablaze kills boyfriend’s two daughters in Benue

A woman identified as Mbayegh allegedly set fire to a traditional round hut in Kaffe, Zaki-Biam town, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in the early hours of Monday, leading to the deaths of two young girls. The victims were six-year-old Precious Ordo and four-year-old Sember Ordo, daughters of her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh. According to witnesses, Mbayegh had visited Ierkwagh's residence on Sunday night but was asked to leave. She reportedly refused, suspecting another woman was inside with him, sparking a heated argument. Ierkwagh later locked his two daughters in the hut before leaving the compound. The suspect allegedly set the hut ablaze, believing the man and another woman were inside. Unknown to her, only the two girls were present and asleep. One died at the scene, while the other died later in hospital from injuries sustained in the fire. The mother of the girls was in Taraba State for farming activities when the incident occurred. Residents said Mbayegh fled but was apprehended near Tse-Dugwer village by members of the Benue State Volunteer Guards, who handed her over to police. The traditional ruler of Ukum, Chief Orkaa Kaave, confirmed the incident, describing it as stemming from a jealous lover's suspicion. Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet confirmed the suspect was in custody and assisting investigators, though he said the motive had not been conclusively determined. A psychosocial therapist at FMC Makurdi, Ukeh George, suggested the suspect may have a mental health condition and requires psycho pathological assessment. Forensic psychologist Geoffrey Orsuur linked the act to possible frontal brain malfunction and called for examination of her family background and mental state.

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