Secondary school students clashed with soldiers in Abako town, Benue State,after a dispute over a soldier’s girlfriend escalated.
Angry students set an army checkpoint on fire after soldiers allegedly harassed a student and a teacher over confiscated earrings.
Police confirmed the incident, stating that normalcy has been restored, while the school plans to petition the Chief of Army Staff.
Troops stationed in Abako town, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, clashed with secondary school students over a dispute involving a female student, leading to the burning of an army checkpoint.
Eziokwunews gathered that the confrontation escalated after a soldier, allegedly dating a student named Veronica, bought her earrings, which were later confiscated by the school’s head girl for violating school rules.
Upset by the incident, Veronica reported the matter to soldiers at a nearby checkpoint.
During a school break, the head girl, on her way to the market, was allegedly harassed and assaulted by soldiers at the checkpoint. A teacher who intervened was also reportedly assaulted.
News of the incident spread within the school, prompting students to mobilize and attack the soldiers at the checkpoint.
In response, soldiers allegedly opened fire, but the students overpowered them, setting the checkpoint ablaze and dismantling road barricades.
The situation caused tension in Katsina-Ala, with residents criticizing the presence of soldiers in the area and calling for their withdrawal.
The Police Area Command confirmed the incident, stating that normalcy had been restored. Meanwhile, the school authorities have announced plans to hire a lawyer to petition the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja over the soldiers’ actions.
