A post primary school teacher, identified as Simon Iorkase, has been shot dead in Abaji Kpav community, Tordonga, Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, following a confrontation with a Ward Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, BSCPG.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has thrown the community into mourning and heightened tension in the area, as residents struggle to come to terms with the tragic loss.
According to multiple sources, the BSCPG Ward Commander was at his official duty post when he engaged in a conversation with a young woman known to him. Eyewitnesses said that moments later, two men, suspected to be heavily intoxicated, approached the scene and interrupted the discussion.
One eyewitness explained that the deceased teacher allegedly confronted the young woman, insisting that he was her teacher and demanding to know why she failed to greet him. The situation reportedly became awkward, prompting the BSCPG commander to intervene and clarify that he was already speaking with her.
This intervention allegedly angered the teacher, leading to a heated exchange between him and the commander. Witnesses said the argument quickly escalated, drawing the attention of passersby and nearby residents.
As tension mounted, the two men reportedly attempted to seize the commander’s service rifle. Residents said panic broke out immediately, with many fleeing the area for fear that the firearm could discharge during the struggle.
In the course of the scuffle, the rifle allegedly went off and struck Mr Iorkase. He reportedly sustained critical injuries and was confirmed dead almost instantly, according to sources at the scene.
Further accounts claimed that as residents ran for safety, the second man accompanying the deceased allegedly produced a locally made pistol and shot the BSCPG commander in the right hand before escaping from the area.
The incident was promptly reported to the police. Security operatives arrived at the scene shortly after, evacuated the corpse of the deceased teacher and arrested the BSCPG commander for questioning. He was later placed in protective custody by the police to ensure his safety and facilitate a thorough investigation.
Confirming the development, the State Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, Captain Ayuma Ajobi (retd.), said the matter had been formally handed over to the Benue State Police Command for comprehensive investigation.
“The incident occurred, and the police are currently investigating to establish the full facts surrounding the unfortunate event,” Ajobi said.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that she was yet to be fully briefed on the incident but assured that the command would provide official details once investigations progress.
Meanwhile, residents of Abaji Kpav community have called for justice and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Community leaders also appealed for calm, warning against reprisals as security agencies continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
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