75-year-old woman, two others set ablaze by suspected arsonist in Kogi

A 75-year-old woman identified as Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani has been set ablaze by unidentified arsonists in Kogi State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, Jan. 4, at her Oketekwe residence in Idah Local Government Area of the State.

The fire incident also affected her first daughter, Hajarat Usman Sani, and a five-year-old granddaughter identified as Onechojo, who also perished in the fire.

A family source said: “A group of people came to the house with petrol while our grandmother was sleeping alongside her daughter and granddaughter. They poured the petrol on the house and ignited a fire.

“The five-year-old granddaughter, Mama, died immediately after suffering severe burns, while Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, along with her own daughter, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Mallama later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while her own daughter is still fighting for her life.”

The late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani was bestowed with the title of Akwuma Attah Igala in 2023.

The remains of Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and her five-year-old granddaughter have been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.