Police Probe Death Of Unidentified Girl Burnt After Night Out With Bike Rider

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of an unidentified young woman who was burnt to death in an early morning fire after reportedly spending the night with a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as a bike rider, in Uyo.

The tragic incident occurred at about 3:45 a.m. on Monday at an apartment on Naboth Street, off Ikpa Road, where the woman was said to have spent the night with the man after they returned from a night out.

Witnesses said the fire engulfed the apartment while most residents were asleep. The male occupant escaped with severe burns after forcing his way through the flames, but the woman was trapped inside the room and died before rescuers could reach her.

A resident, Andrew Inyang, said the man, who reportedly worked at a nightclub, had returned home late on Sunday after watching the FIFA Club World Cup final.

“At about 3:45 a.m., we heard him screaming for help. I initially thought robbers had attacked because his dogs were barking loudly. When I came outside, I discovered the building was on fire,” Inyang said.

He explained that neighbours made frantic efforts to extinguish the flames using available water and later bent the burglary proof to rescue the man.

“When we created enough space, we asked him to jump through the opening. He did, although he had sustained serious burns. It was only afterwards that he remembered there was another person inside. Unfortunately, before we could get to her, she had been trapped in a corner of the room and was burnt to death,” he added.

The fire also destroyed nearby rooms occupied by students of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), who lost books, certificates, cash and other valuables.

Another resident, Francis Udo, described the incident as heartbreaking, recalling that he had watched the football final with the couple at a nearby relaxation spot before they returned home.

A neighbour alleged that the survivor told police he had paid the deceased ₦30,000 to accompany him on the outing. The neighbour also claimed the fire may have been triggered by an explosion from an electric motorcycle that was being charged inside the apartment after a power surge.

The claims have not been confirmed by the police.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, DSP Timfon John, said investigations were ongoing.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirms that a fire incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 20, 2026, at a residential building along Ikpa Road, Uyo.

“Regrettably, one female adult lost her life in the incident, while a male occupant survived. At the time of the report, the deceased had not been formally identified. Efforts are ongoing to establish her identity, and updates will be communicated as soon as they become available,” she said.