Benue students stage vigil for slain colleague, demand accountability

Students of ATM Science and Technical College, Jato-Aka, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, took to the streets in mourning after the killing of their classmate, Miss Songo Gloria, allegedly by soldiers.

Gloria, described by her peers as a diligent and reserved student, was shot on Tuesday and passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.

In a solemn procession, her colleagues carried placards, lit candles, and chanted solidarity songs, insisting that justice must be served.

“She was more than just a classmate, she was our friend. We want answers and we want accountability,” one student said, declining to be named.

Leaders of the student body called for an urgent probe into the shooting and demanded that the military be withdrawn from Jato-Aka.

“In one voice, we say no more soldiers in our community,” a student representative declared.

Community elders and residents joined the students in their call for justice, urging government authorities to step in quickly to prevent further civilian casualties.

They also appealed for calm even as they pressed security agencies to ensure a transparent investigation.

As of press time, both the school authorities and Kwande Local Government officials had yet to issue a statement.

The bereaved family has requested privacy while making burial arrangements for the late student.