In a tragic incident in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, a nine-year-old child has died, and four others were severely burned after a man allegedly set his neighbour’s house on fire due to a land dispute.
The suspect, identified as Nicodemus Ajaku, reportedly targeted the home of Daniel Cha’ama, with whom he had a long-standing disagreement over land ownership.
The victims, all children of Cha’ama, were asleep when Ajaku allegedly set fire to their room, mistaking it for Cha’ama’s.
The fire resulted in the death of nine-year-old Chimba Daniel, while Dida Daniel, Isaac Daniel, Nglacha Daniel, and Emmanuel Hyeldinga suffered severe burns. The incident took place in Vimtim, a village in Mubi North LGA, where both families reside.
Nicodemus Ajaku, who is currently on the run, is believed to have fled the village immediately after the incident.
Witnesses report that Ajaku and Cha’ama had been engaged in a legal battle over the land, with the dispute escalating to this violent act.
The severity of Chimba Daniel’s burns led to his death while he was being transported to Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola. The other children are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
The Adamawa State Police Command has launched a manhunt for Ajaku.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Morris Dankwambo, has directed the command to ensure that the suspect is apprehended and brought to justice. Nguroje also assured that the police would provide assistance to the surviving victims.
