Seven suspects linked to the tragic arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students have recorded statements with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to preliminary investigations, the students admitted during questioning that the deadly attack was allegedly motivated by grievances over changes to the school examination calendar, the introduction of charges for a cultural event, and peer influence following unrest at a neighbouring boys’ school.
Detectives attached to the Child Protection Unit have been leading the grilling sessions as investigations into the tragic incident intensify.
Investigators revealed that the alleged plan to torch the dormitory was hatched at around 9 p.m. before being executed approximately three hours later.
Authorities believe the fire broke out at around 12:30 a.m., engulfing the dormitory as students slept.
Reports indicate that Form Three students at the school usually retire to bed at 9:35 p.m., while Form Four students sleep at 10:35 p.m., meaning many of the victims were asleep when the inferno erupted.
Crucial evidence was reportedly captured by CCTV cameras installed inside the dormitory, with detectives relying heavily on the footage to reconstruct the events leading to the deadly incident.
Homicide detectives handling the high-profile case are also investigating whether the suspects may have received outside assistance in acquiring the paraffin believed to have been used to start the fire.
The shocking tragedy has plunged the nation into mourning and reignited concerns over school unrest, student discipline, counseling, and safety measures in boarding institutions across the country.
Investigations are ongoing.
