Teacher shot dead in Benue community after clash with Civil Protection Guard

By Benedicta Aboh

A secondary school teacher, identified as Simon Iorkase, has been shot dead in Abaji-Kpav, Tordonga, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, following what eyewitnesses described as a tragic and avoidable confrontation involving a Ward Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG).

According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred while the BSCPG Ward Commander was at his lawful duty post, exchanging pleasantries with a young woman he knew. The situation reportedly took a violent turn when two men, suspected to be heavily intoxicated, approached them.

“One of the men started harassing the girl, claiming he was her teacher and questioning why she did not greet him,” the eyewitness said. “When the encounter became uncomfortable, the commander tried to explain that he and the girl were in the middle of a discussion.”

The intervention allegedly angered the teacher, leading to a heated argument. “He felt insulted and an altercation ensued,” the source added.

The situation reportedly escalated when the two men allegedly attempted to seize the commander’s service rifle, causing panic among residents. “They went straight for the rifle, probably trying to snatch it. People immediately started running away for fear of an accidental discharge,” the eyewitness said.

The source further claimed that the men were clearly drunk. “No one in his right senses would try to grab a loaded gun from a security operative, knowing he would instinctively defend himself,” he said.

During the ensuing struggle, the rifle allegedly discharged, striking Mr. Iorkase at close range. “He sustained severe injuries and died almost immediately,” the eyewitness disclosed.

As residents fled the scene, the second man was said to have pulled out a locally made pistol and shot the BSCPG commander in the right hand before escaping.

“The police were immediately informed. They arrived promptly, arrested the BSCPG commander for interrogation and evacuated the corpse of the deceased teacher,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, the BSCPG commander was said to be in police custody, assisting investigators.

Confirming the incident, the State Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (retd.), said the matter had been handed over to the police for a thorough investigation.

“The incident occurred, and the police are currently investigating to establish the full facts,” he said.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive full details of the incident.

The incident has since thrown the Abaji-Kpav community into shock, with residents calling for a transparent investigation to ensure justice for all parties involved.