By Amos Aar
THE COMMANDER of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (CPG), Captain Ayuma Ajobi (Rtd.), has denied claims that the three youths killed in Naka during a recent protest were members of the security outfit under his command.
In a viral video circulating on Facebook, Ajobi refuted allegations that the deceased were CPG officers, stating that those spreading such reports had not consulted the appropriate authorities for verification.
“Regarding the circulating video about Tuesday’s incident in Naka, particularly the alleged killing of CPG members, I want to categorically state that it is false,” Ajobi said.
He added: “Anyone spreading this information is misinformed because they did not consult us for accurate details.
“As the accounting officer of my men, I know each of them by name and oversee their operations. At no time did I authorise any of my officers for the said operation, and none of my men were involved.”
He further claimed that after reviewing the official records of BSCPG personnel, he found no evidence linking the deceased to the organisation.
“The individuals who died; Terfa Agber, Cham Ayue, and one identified as Ushiri, are not part of the CPG. I have cross-checked my nominal roll, and their names are not listed. They were local youths from the community, not members of my command,” Ajobi insisted.
However, his statement directly contradicted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s confirmation on Tuesday.
In an official statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor was quoted to have stated that the three deceased individuals were indeed BSCPG members.
“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia decidedly decries the vicious and ferocious attack and murder of three brave members of Civil Protection Guards who were on duty to protect our locals at On-MbaAondo, Tsambe-Mbesev ward of Gwer-West Local Government.
“He stated that the inhuman act, carried out by marauding armed herdsmen, is once more, a flagrant affront to the peace and security of our communities.
“We appreciate the deep rage and frustration that has led to the anxiety at Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West, including the regrettable burning of the Local Government Secretariat and the palace of Ter Nagi by protesters,” Kula’s statement, entitled: “Condemnation of the Attack on Civil Protection Guards and Call to Action”, had stated in part.
Ajobi’s claim also contradicted an allegation by the Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Abomtse, on AIT that the victims were CPG officers.
Chief Abomtse’s palace was set ablaze by enraged youths during the unrest and he accused the CPG officers of allegedly being responsible for the destruction.
The BSCPG is a state-owned security outfit established by Governor Alia to support conventional security forces in combating insecurity in Benue State.
