Soldiers, students clash in Benue over girlfriend

Tension gripped Abako town in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State following a violent clash between soldiers stationed in the area and secondary school students, allegedly over a female student.

The incident, which occurred earlier this week, escalated into a major disturbance, resulting in the burning of an army checkpoint and reports of gunfire, leaving several students injured.

Sources revealed that the clash began when a soldier, reportedly in a relationship with a female student identified as Veronica, purchased earrings for her. According to Peter Anande, a teacher at the school, the earrings were confiscated by the school’s head girl, as wearing such accessories violated the school’s dress code.

Angered by the confiscation, Veronica allegedly reported the incident to the soldiers manning the checkpoint in the town. During the school’s break time, the head girl, while on her way to the market, was allegedly harassed and assaulted by the soldiers over the seized earrings.

Anande explained, “A teacher who heard about the assault rushed to the checkpoint to intervene, but he was also harassed and physically attacked by the soldiers.”

The news of the alleged harassment quickly spread within the school, prompting students to mobilize and confront the soldiers. The confrontation reportedly escalated, with soldiers firing shots at the students. However, the students overpowered the soldiers, set the checkpoint ablaze, and cleared barricades from the road.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Abako town, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the soldiers. Many criticized the troops, questioning their focus on maintaining security while allegedly engaging in inappropriate relationships with secondary school students.

Community leaders have called for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from the town, citing concerns over their conduct.

Meanwhile, the Police Area Command confirmed the incident and stated that normalcy had been restored to the area. The school authorities are reportedly preparing a petition to the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja, seeking justice over the alleged harassment of their staff and students.

The situation has further heightened tensions in Katsina-Ala, a region historically plagued by security challenges and previously controlled by the late gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana.