Hoodlums sets fire to residence of former Benue Governor

Hoodlums reportedly set fire to the residence of the late former Governor of Benue State, Aper Aku, in the Gboko area of the state.

The incident occurred on Monday after the occupants had been safely evacuated from the building.

Deborah Aku, a daughter of the late governor, informed journalists in Makurdi that the Police rescued the six occupants early enough before the hoodlums set the house ablaze.

She explained that trouble began in March when a man brandishing a cutlass came to the house, threatening them over the death of his goat, which he claimed died after drinking water from their property. A report was filed with the Police Division in Gboko, and the matter was subsequently taken to court.

Aku added that the fresh attack occurred between 7 am and 8 am on Monday when the hoodlums besieged the house, trapping all six occupants inside.

“The incident started between 7am and 8am on Monday. They came around and didn’t talk to anyone numbering over 30. When we noticed that their visit was not friendly we locked all the doors and called the Police.”

“Before the Police could arrive they started destroying the house, killed our dog, broke into the pig house and carted away with all the pigs. They also destroyed our mother’s car.

“The Police arrived and were able to rescued us out of the house. We left with the Police with only what we were putting on. While we were on our way with the Police the house was burnt with everything inside. The Police came in two trucks but the boys were many and even attacked them too.

“Yesterday (Monday) when the incident happened the Police were only able to rescue us out of the house before it was burnt down. If not for them we would have probably being burnt inside the house. We were six inside the house.

“We are waiting for the Police to carry out their investigations. We have also reported the matter to all the relevant authorities including the governor and Speaker because this is his constituency.” she narrated.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident to journalists on Tuesday in Makurdi.
Anene however, said she did not have further details as at the time of filing this report.