Tragedy struck in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State after two young sisters reportedly died from injuries sustained in a fire allegedly set by a woman said to be in a relationship with their father.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, where the suspect, identified as Mbayegh, allegedly visited the residence of her lover, Aondoyima Ierkwagh.

Community sources told our correspondent that the woman had wanted to spend the night at the man's residence, but he reportedly asked her to leave after declining her request.

The sources alleged that the suspect became upset, believing another woman was inside the compound, and refused to leave despite repeated requests.

It was further gathered that the children's mother was away in Taraba State for farming activities, while their father had locked his two daughters inside a round hut before retiring to another section of the compound.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the suspect later set the hut ablaze, believing another woman was inside. The two girls were trapped in the fire and sustained severe burns.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the children's father reported that an individual set his house on fire.

Edet explained that neighbours made efforts to rescue the victims and rushed them to hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.

The police spokesperson said investigators were yet to establish whether the incident resulted from a lovers' dispute, adding that a suspect had been arrested and that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.