FACT CHECK: Were Two Children Set Ablaze by Father’s Girlfriend in Benue?

Claim

Social media posts claim that a woman allegedly set her boyfriend’s house on fire in Benue State, resulting in the death of his two young daughters, after a dispute over alleged infidelity.

Verification

Available reports indicate that the incident occurred in Kaffe community, Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in the early hours of Monday, July 6, 2026. According to reports, the suspect allegedly visited the residence of her boyfriend, identified as Aondoyima Ierkwagh, but was asked to leave.

Community accounts allege that the suspect believed another woman was inside the compound. Hours later, a hut where the man’s two daughters were sleeping was allegedly set on fire. The children sustained severe burns and later died. Benue info-pedia

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that the father of the children reported that someone set his house ablaze, leading to the deaths of the girls.

However, the police said investigations are ongoing and have not officially established the motive behind the attack.

While community members linked the incident to a lovers’ quarrel and jealousy, police have not confirmed that this was the cause

(Punch Newspapers)

Therefore, while the deaths of the two children and the arrest of a female suspect have been confirmed by police, the alleged motive of jealousy or infidelity remains under investigation and has not been officially established.

Verdict:  True

Evidence supports that two children died after a fire allegedly set by a female suspect in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect. (However, the widely circulated claim that the woman deliberately committed the act because of a lovers’ quarrel is not yet officially confirmed. That aspect remains an allegation pending the outcome of police investigations.)

This piece  was produced in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) as part of its Media Fellowship in Benue State.

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