In a devastating incident in Oketekwe, Idah local government area of Kogi State, suspected arsonists set ablaze a 75-year-old woman, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, her daughter, Hajarat Usman Sani, and her five-year-old granddaughter, Onechojo. The late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, honored with the title of Akwuma Attah Igala in 2023, succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while her daughter is currently fighting for her life.
The tragic event unfolded on Thursday when a group of individuals reportedly arrived at the victims’ residence with petrol. Under the cover of darkness, they poured the flammable substance on the house, igniting a fire that claimed the life of the young Onechojo immediately, leaving her with severe burns. Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and her daughter were rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where Mallama later passed away.
The family, devastated by the loss, performed the Islamic rites for the late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and the young Onechojo before laying them to rest. The motive behind the heinous act remains unclear.
Opaluwa Omera, the nephew of the deceased, took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news. Expressing shock and disbelief, he described the brutal manner in which the arsonists targeted his aunt, emphasizing her esteemed position as the Iye Agwuma Ata Igala. Omera also revealed that another relative who managed to escape the inferno sustained injuries.
As news of the tragic incident spread, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, confirmed that the police had not yet received any official information about the incident. Investigations are likely to ensue as the community grapples with the shocking loss of three lives in a horrific act of violence.
