Pascal Arogorn Ibe
A man believed to be mentally unstable has set himself and girlfriend ablaze at Inikpi Street in High-Level vicinity of Makurdi metropolis in Benue state.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday evening after the man whose identity was yet to be ascertained allegedly poured petrol on himself and girlfriend in a locked room and ignited the fire.
Witnesses said the over 40-year-old man was earlier seen when he went to purchase the petrol but neighbours thought it was meant for his generator.
It was learnt that moments later the neighbours realised what the fuel was meant for after the man’s home went up in flames with himself and girlfriend inside the apartment.
The witnesses said the timely intervention of firefighters from the State Fire Service partly saved the day and prevented the inferno from engulfing adjourning apartments.
Some neighbours alleged that the man was mentally unstable and had a minor quarrel with his girlfriend before taking the action.
Daily Trust reports that the man died immediately from the effect of the fire while his girlfriend was allegedly burnt beyond recognition and taken to a hospital by the personnel of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Police Spokesperson for Benue Command, DSP Catherine Anene, told newsmen in Makurdi that an eye witness told the police that they saw the man coming with fuel and they assumed that he wanted to use it for his generator.
She said that the lovers are believed to have been quarrelling, stressing that the misunderstanding may have led to the unfortunate incident.
Anene, however, added that further investigation would unravel the actual cause of the matter.
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