By Amos Aar
SOLDIERS have allegedly shot and killed a civilian and injured a student in Jato Aka, Kwande LGA of Benue State, causing tension in the community.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the shooting, which occurred on Monday afternoon, was unprovoked and described it as a gross violation of human rights.
During the incident, a student of Government Science Secondary School, Jato Aka, identified as Iorfa, sustained bullet wounds after the shot reportedly pierced through another victim, Mr. Iorsuur, who was hit at close range.
The student is said to be receiving treatment at NKST General Hospital, Jato Aka, while Mr. Iorsuur’s body was allegedly taken away by soldiers to an undisclosed location.
Community leaders have appealed for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities to restore calm. The matter has been formally reported to the Kwande Local Government Chairman, Hon. Neji, and the President-General of Kwande United People’s Organization (KWUPO), Comrade Aloko Nachi Simon.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Udeme Edet, said:
“It was not a case of deliberate shooting of students. The military patrol team, while returning from duty, sighted some hoodlums with firearms on a motorcycle. As they gave chase, the hoodlums opened fire, and the soldiers responded. Unfortunately, stray bullets hit three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato Aka.
On arrival at the hospital, one of the students was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor, while the other two are responding to treatment. Investigation is ongoing.”
However, the police explanation has given rise to further questions. A journalist from the affected local government asked:
“If the clash was indeed with hoodlums, how many of them were arrested or injured? Why then are the casualties mainly students?”.
That question was yet to be answered as at the time of filing this report.
