The Attah Igala Royal family in Idah, Kogi state has confirmed the arsonist attack on Meimunat Sani, the 75-year-old elder sister of the Attah Igala, Mathew Opaluwa, leading to her death and injuries on other occupants of the house.

It was gathered that the suspected arsonists stormed the septugarian’s Oketekwe residence in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing her and her five-year-old grand daughter.

Explaining the incident, a family source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attack was carried out while occupants of the building comprising of the monarch’s sister, her daughter, and granddaughter were asleep.

He said: “They poured the petrol on the house and set it on fire. The five-year-old granddaughter, Mama, died immediately after suffering severe burns, while Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, along with her daughter, was rushed to the hospital, we don’t wish to disclose.

“Mallama who did not die immediately, later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while her daughter was still battling for her life.”

William Aya, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), while confirming the incident on Saturday, said fire outbreak was reported at the station..

In Aya words: “Someone came to the station and reported that there was a fire outbreak in one of the rooms in the house in their family compound or so.

“So, when officers rushed to the place, they found three people.

“A five-year-old girl was burnt to death while two elderly persons were rushed to the hospital.

“One died on Thursday and the information I got today is that the third person died on Friday.

“We have commenced an investigation into the matter.”

Newspread learnt that the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Audu, had earlier sent a condolence message to the monarch and the entire family describing the incident as tragic and scaralious.

The statement signed on his behalf by Lizzy Okonji, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, reads:

“The Minister has extended his heartfelt condolences to the paramount ruler of Igala kingdom, Matthew Opaluwa, over the death of his sister, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani, and her granddaughter.”

“I also commiserate with the entire people of the Igala kingdom at this time because this is a loss to every one of us. I call on security agencies to investigate the alleged arson and bring the perpetrators of this act to book so that it would serve as a deterrent to others.

“Such acts of sacrilege must be discouraged in our land.”