In a tragic incident, suspected arsonists targeted the 75-year-old elder sister of Attah Igala, Mathew Opaluwa, resulting in her death.
The victim, identified as Meimunat Sani, was not alone in this horrifying act, as her granddaughter, Hajarat, also fell victim to the flames. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at their residence in Oketekwe, located in the Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State. According to a family source, a group of individuals invaded their home and set it ablaze using petrol while the three victims were asleep.
The five-year-old granddaughter tragically lost her life immediately due to severe burns, while Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and her daughter were rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Sadly, Meimunat later succumbed to her injuries, while her daughter continues to fight for her life. The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident, stating that the 75-year-old woman’s daughter passed away on Friday.
Upon receiving a report of a fire outbreak in a house within their family compound, authorities were alerted and promptly arrived at the scene.
Tragically, they discovered that a five-year-old girl had lost her life in the fire, while two elderly individuals were rushed to the hospital.
Unfortunately, one of the elderly persons passed away on Thursday, and the latest information received on Friday revealed that the third person had also succumbed to their injuries. An investigation into the incident has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire.
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Audu, expressed his condolences through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Lizzy Okonji, describing the incident as both tragic and sacrilegious.
The Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the paramount ruler of Igala kingdom, Matthew Opaluwa, for the loss of his sister, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani, and her granddaughter.
He also called upon the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the alleged arson and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, emphasizing the need to discourage such acts of sacrilege in the land.
