Kogi: The burning alive of Meimunat Opaluwa Sani is strongly condemned

On Thursday, 4th January, 2024, an elder sister to Ata Igala, His Royal Majesty, Alaji Matthew Opaluwa Ogwuche II was roasted alive by arsonists at Oketekwe town in Idah Local Government Area in Kogi East Senatorial District.

This dastardly act by arsonists for whatever reasons stand condemned, it is heinous, inhuman and a sacrilege to Igala Kingdom which has been known for peace since its existence centuries ago. The late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani was a peace loving mother and grandmother, wondering what has become of Igala land, that even the vulnerable are not spared by evil minded and wicked younger generations.

No one could point out the late Meimunat’s offence that warranted her being set ablaze alongside her daughter and her granddaughter on this ill-fated day.

It’s on record that the elder sister to Ata Igala who was a title holder of Akwuma Atah Igala was not only peace loving, but who have been living apolitical life all through, and has been into community service, magnanimous to all and helpful to those in needs, hence, she hardly hurt a fly, but only to be killed in a manner that constituted anathema and an aberration to Igala land and its culture.

This heinous act was the second in five years of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration. It’s recalled that on 7th December, 2019, a Peoples Democratic Party women leader, Salome Abuh was burnt alive at her residence at Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government Council and till today justice has not been adequately served.

Salome’s death triggered widespread condemnation including the United Nations, but unfortunately the family of the late women leader has never been compensated. Sadly, a principal suspect, Ocholi Edicha was handed down a 12-year jail term. The jail term was unconnected with the burnt alive of Salome Abuh, but was charged for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide. Analysts have condemned the sentencing and described it as ‘cosmetic’, since it ought to have been a capital punishment with life sentence or death by hanging.

The mere 12 year and six months jail term was not unconnected with powers that be, particularly powerful politicians whose behalf the hoodlums are wreaking havoc on innocent ones for a pay.

On death of Mama Meimunat, eye witness narrated that “a group of people came to the house with petrol while our grandmother was sleeping alongside her daughter and granddaughter. They poured the petrol on the house and ignited a fire.

“The five-year-old granddaughter, Mama, died immediately after suffering severe burns, while Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, along with her own daughter, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Mallama later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while her own daughter was still fighting for her life.”

We call on security agents that they should work in synergy with the local vigilante group to go after the arsonists to bring them to justice. The people must offer useful information to security agents to make the arrest of those criminals possible.
May the soul of Mama and those in the tragic incident rest in peace.