Teacher shot dead after dispute with civil protection guard officer in Benue

A post-primary school teacher, identified as Simon Iorkase, has been shot dead in Abaji-Kpav, Tordonga, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, following a disagreement with a Ward Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG).

The incident reportedly occurred while the BSCPG Ward Commander was on duty at his official post. Sources disclosed that the officer was exchanging greetings with a young woman he was familiar with when two men, said to be intoxicated, approached the scene.

It was gathered that one of the men started harassing the girl, claiming he was her teacher and asking why she did not greet him.

“As the situation became embarrassing, the commander tried to explain that they were in the middle of a discussion.”

The source added that the teacher felt slighted and a heated argument ensued.

Tension heightened as the two men allegedly attempted to seize the Commander’s service rifle.

He said further: “They went straight for the rifle, probably trying to snatch it. People immediately started running away for fear of an accidental discharge.

“The men were clearly drunk because no one in his right senses would try to grab a loaded gun from a security personnel, knowing he would instinctively defend himself.”

It was in the process of the struggle to snatch the firearm from the armed guard that the rifle allegedly discharged, hitting Mr Iorkase.

“He sustained severe injuries and died almost immediately,” the source added.

He further claimed that as residents fled the scene, the second man allegedly pulled out a locally made pistol and shot the BSCPG Commander in his 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,” he said.

The BSCPG Commander was subsequently placed in protective custody by the police to assist with investigations.

The incident was confirmed by the State Commander of the BSCPG, Capt Ayuma Ajobi (retd.), who 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, when contacted, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident.