The Police Command in Benue, on Sunday, said that a middle-aged man, simply identified as Nicodemus, has set himself and his girlfriend ablaze in Makurdi.
The command’s Spokesperson, DSP Catherine Anene, told journalists in Makurdi that Nicodemus died on the spot, while the girlfriend, also identified as Shiminenge, died later at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
Anene explained that Nicodemus committed the act at his girlfriend’s residence on Inkipi Street, High-Level area of Makurdi on Saturday evening.
She said an argument had ensued between them, adding, however, that the cause of the argument was unknown.
She said Nicodemus had locked himself and the lady in her room before setting the room ablaze.
“According to an eyewitness, there was an argument between them which we are yet to unravel.
“We understood that Nicodemus brought with him a gallon of fuel on his way to Shiminenge’s house.
“He used the fuel to set himself and the lady ablaze after locking the house from inside,” the police spokesperson said.
Shiminenge’s neighbour told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Nicodemus had abandoned his wife and kids for the lady and that trouble ensued when the lady told him of her plan to get married to someone else.
“Nicodemus was not happy with the lady over her decision to leave him for another man.
“He had earlier abandoned his wife and kids for Shiminenge. So, he couldn’t bear the disappointment,” the neighbor, who preferred anonymity, said. NAN