A makeup artist and baker identified as Elvina Japheth Abilo, pictured above, has been burnt to death while one pastor Henry was severely injured after a jealous lover set a home ablaze in Igbogene-Apie, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The incident happened on Saturday, October 31, about 3 am, when a 40-year-old man identified as Etifa Obukulubu, set ablaze the home of his ex-girlfriend after she ended their relationship.
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It was gathered that the exit door out of the house was jammed from outside when the incident occurred.
The suspect had reportedly targeted his girlfriend identified as Wilberforce, but unknown to him, she had already vacated her home for the pastor and his deceased assistant, Elvina.
Elvina Japheth Abilo
According to residents of Igbogene community the suspect, who is a commercial driver, had waited for all three but didn’t notice when Wilberforce left her house for her friend’s house where she was to pass the night.
“He waited for them to enter the house. And use fuel to set fire around the house. But he did not know that his girlfriend had left to go and sleep with another friend.”
Another resident, who described the suspect as a loner, said the incident shocked everyone in the area.
“These lovers were staying three houses apart and no one suspected they were dating. It is unfortunate that the pastor’s assistant died in the fire. I was told the pastor was invited to preach in Yenagoa and the estranged girlfriend offered her home for them to sleep.”
However, according to late Elvina’s cousin Joyce Abilo, the suspect’s former girlfriend ended their relationship because her parents are not in support of it.
“He felt that Pastor Henry is encouraging the girlfriend to leave him. They are related by blood so the parents are not in support of it. My sister is a friend to the targeted girl.” she said.
The Spokesman to the Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, friends and family members have taken to Facebook to mourn Elvina, who they described as talented, brilliant and industrious.
“So my Sweet Cousin Sister Elvy as I will always call you is no more? My heart is deeply broken. My makeup artist, my Baker and Americana. Your personality is one of a kind. You are not just beautiful but hard working and loving too. Full of beautiful dreams with a bright future. Why gone too soon?,” Joyce Abilo wrote.
“You know how much I love and cherish you. You know how much I love recommending your work to clients. Remember I said I will take you with me to our end of year party this year, remember how I promised giving you Baking and makeup jobs.
“Can you see the very last cake you made for my colleague on her birthday two weeks back Oh what a wicked world. Too hard to believe you are no more. Rest in Peace my Dearest Cousin Elvy Japheth Abilo. I love you but God loves you MOST”
Doubra Vallie Samuel, wrote: “RIP to an innocent soul. You were hardworking always thriving for the best in life, you were so brilliant and good at what you do. I wonder why it had to be you but I can’t question Baba God for it. Till we meet again in the great beyond. The entire Igbogene mourns you”
Lauryn Nathaniel recalled spending time with the deceased a day before the incident.
“Just yesterday I saw her. We talked and laughed together. Never kinew it will be the last time to see you. You were so brilliant, always taking first and second position in class. You were so industrious, It’s so sad you have to go like this. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Elvina baby” she wrote.
