1 Reportedly Killed In Benue’s Gboko As LGA Chairman Imposes Curfew

One person has reportedly been killed in Gboko, Benue State, following the alleged killing of a member of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch, by unknown gunmen.

The development triggered a protest by members of the association, which was later allegedly hijacked by suspected hoodlums, prompting the Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council, Torseer Yina, to impose a curfew in the town.

An eyewitness, Gabriel Saater, told LEADERSHIP on telephone that the protest started peacefully before suspected hoodlums took over the demonstration and began causing trouble.

Saater said at least two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards were burnt during the unrest.

“Members of BEMOA started peaceful protest over the killing of their member by unknown gunmen and before you know it hoodlums hijacked the protest and started causing trouble,” he said.

“But the Gboko local government chairman quickly imposed curfew and everything was brought under control,” Saater added.

Following the development, Yina also suspended the officials of the BEMOA, Gboko branch, with immediate effect.

In a statement issued by the Secretary of the Gboko Local Government Security Council, Vincent Akaakohol Nev, the chairman directed security agencies to enforce the curfew and warned residents to comply with the directive.

Persons and vehicles engaged in essential services were exempted from the curfew.

When contacted for reaction, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said he would get back to LEADERSHIP.

“I will get back to you,” Aondongu said.

He was, however, unavailable for further comments at the time of filing this report.