Shola Akinyele
A Plateau-based cleric, Pastor Mwoltok Benjamin Dalong, has set the record straight after a viral social media post falsely accused his younger sister, Mrs. Retyit Dalong, of setting her husband ablaze out of jealousy in Mangu, Plateau State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Pastor Dalong described the story as “heartless, malicious, and completely false,” confirming that a Nigerian Army investigation has cleared his sister of all wrongdoing.
According to the Army’s report, the fire outbreak that claimed the husband’s life was the result of an accidental ignition during a heated domestic argument. The deceased was said to have been handling petrol and a light burner when the flames spread, engulfing him.
“The Army concluded that my sister was not involved in any criminal act. The tragedy was purely accidental, and the victim himself confirmed this before his death,” Pastor Dalong stated.
He revealed that before passing away, the husband made a dying declaration from his hospital bed, exonerating Mrs. Dalong and confirming her innocence.
Pastor Dalong expressed disappointment at the reckless spread of misinformation online, warning Nigerians against the dangers of sharing unverified news. “Behind every viral post is a human being — a family, a name, and a reputation. Lies destroy lives,” he said, quoting Mark Twain: “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”
He commended those who sought clarification directly and reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army’s official findings have fully vindicated his sister.
“This matter is closed. My sister is innocent, and the truth has prevailed,” he concluded.
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