Two arrested after setting woman ablaze in Benue

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of two persons, Aondowase Ishar and Eric Kumaga, in prison custody for allegedly conspiring to set a woman on fire.

The accused persons were charged for alleged criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide and mischief, which are punishable under Sections 97, 230 and Exhibit 337 of the Penal Code of Benue State, 2004.

The Prosecutor, Godwin Ato, told court that one Joseph Akume, representing the Akume family of Tse-Abagher Village, Lumbuu Ward in the Ukum Local Government Area, reported the matter at the Ukum Police Station on May 29.

Akume told police that the accused persons with others now at large invaded Akume family farms and uprooted yams. He said that on May 30, the accused persons and others attacked the Akume family and burnt houses, yams in barns, bags of groundnut and guinea corn, all valued at N15 million.

The prosecutor also stated that the accused also set a woman, Vumbe Vam, ablaze with intent to kill her and that this resulted to severe injuries on the woman.

He said that the accused persons were arrested during police investigation. The plea of the accused for bail was not taken. The Chief Magistrate, Isaac Ajim, adjourned the matter until August 9.