Residents of Kugbagbokope, a small farming and fishing community in the Ketu South Municipality, have been left in shock after a man allegedly set his elder brother’s house on fire without any provocation.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025. The victim, Mr. Joe Kugbagbo, a 60-year-old farmer, lost nearly all his belongings when his house—constructed with coconut fronds—was engulfed in flames.
Speaking to the media in tears, Mr. Kugbagbo recounted the terrifying moment: “I was resting in my room this afternoon when I started feeling some intense heat and smoke around my room. By the time I rushed out, the room was burning.”
He further lamented, “I lost some kentes I have woven, clothes my children bought for me, and about Gh¢1,500 I saved from working. Now, I am left with only one ‘kniker’ and a shirt, and I don’t even know where to sleep.”
According to the Assembly Member for Nogokpo-Ativuta Electoral Area, Jonas Agbagba, the suspect, Gabriel Kugbagbo—who is the younger brother of the victim—was arrested and handed over to the Agbozume Police Command.
“The suspect confessed to pouring a substance suspected to be kerosene on the house,” Agbagba revealed.
“Because the building was made of coconut fronds, the fire spread quickly and destroyed everything.”
Eyewitnesses said Gabriel had earlier in the day made a threatening remark, telling his brother he would “show him,” though no recent disagreement was known between the two.
When the fire broke out and the suspect was apprehended, angry community members nearly lynched him, but Agbagba intervened to prevent mob justice.
The suspect is currently in police custody at the Agbozume Police Station as investigations continue.
By: Sylvia Esi Awuye, Holy FM
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