Tragedy struck at Adamgbe village in Vandeikiya Local Government Area of Benue State at the weekend, when a 35-year-old man, Mr Tyoakaa Ijoho, allegedly set 10 thatched houses on fire resulting in the death of an 111-year-old blind woman.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that Ijoho, who lost his father to a snake bite recently, was bitter and consulted the oracle to ascertain the real cause of the death of his father.
According to Abraham Chafa, one of the villagers, who confided in the Nigerian Tribune, the priest linked Ijoho’s father’s death to some family members, which prompted Ijoho to leave his land of sojourn in Konshisha Local Government Area for Adamgbe village where he set the houses on fire.
Chafa said his mother, Mama Mezaga Chafa, aged 75, attempted to drag the 111-year-old woman out of one of the thatched houses when it was burning but her strength failed her and she had to abandon the woman, who was eventually burnt to death.
He further said that the arsonist left the village 18 years ago only to return that fateful day.
He disclosed that with the assistance of the vigilance group, the arsonist was arrested and handed over to the police in Vandikya.
When contacted, the Police Public Rlations Officer (PPRO), DSP Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the incident, saying that the man had been arrested, and that investigation was ongoing.