In a horrifying incident in Kogi State, a 75-year-old woman, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, became the victim of a gruesome attack by unidentified arsonists who set her house ablaze. The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 4, at her residence in Oketekwe, Idah Local Government Area of the State.
The arson attack not only claimed the life of the elderly woman but also resulted in the tragic death of her first daughter, Hajarat Usman Sani, and her five-year-old granddaughter, identified as Onechojo, who succumbed to severe burns.
According to a family source, the assailants arrived at the residence armed with petrol while Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, along with her daughter and granddaughter, was sleeping. They poured the petrol on the house and set it ablaze, causing devastating consequences.
The five-year-old granddaughter lost her life immediately due to the severity of the burns, while Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and her daughter were rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Unfortunately, Mallama later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, and her daughter is currently fighting for her life.
Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, who was 75 years old, had recently been honored with the title of Akwuma Attah Igala in 2023. The community is now grappling with the tragic loss, and the remains of Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and her five-year-old granddaughter have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
The motives behind this heinous act remain unclear, and authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident highlights the vulnerability of individuals, even within the sanctity of their homes, and raises concerns about the need for enhanced security measures to protect communities from such acts of violence.