Minister Condemns Arsonists' Killing, Condoles Family

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has condemned the setting ablaze of a 75-year-old woman with her granddaughter in Idah, Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State

Audu, who expressed shock at the barbaric act, also condoled the family of the deceased and the paramount ruler of Igala Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Alaji Mathew Opaluwa, over the death of his sister, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani and her granddaughter who were allegedly set ablaze by arsonists.

In a statement by his Special

Adviser on Media, Lizzy Okoji, made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the minister said the demise of Mallama Opaluwa-sani, Akwuma Attah Igala, was a loss to the entire Igala Kingdom, urging everyone to remain strong.

Audu also called on security agencies to investigate the alleged arson and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“It is with a heavy heart that I condole with our father, HRM, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa and the royal family over the deaths of his sister and her granddaughter, whose lives were taken in the most painful manner.

“I also commiserate with the entire people of 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 perpetuators 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.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grant the souls of the late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa, and her granddaughter, Onechojo Aljanah Firdaus. I also pray Almighty Allah grants the family the heart to bear the loss,” Audu stated.