A violent clash between soldiers and secondary school students in Abako town, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, has resulted in injuries and the burning of a military checkpoint.
How the Conflict Started
According to a teacher, Peter Anande, the clash began after a soldier, who was dating a female student named Veronica, gifted her a pair of earrings. Veronica wore the earrings to school, but the head girl confiscated them, as they were against school rules.
Veronica then reported the incident to soldiers at a nearby checkpoint. Later, during break time, the head girl went to the market to buy food but was allegedly harassed and assaulted by the soldiers in retaliation for confiscating the earrings.
A teacher who intervened was also reportedly harassed and beaten.
Students Retaliate, Burn Army Checkpoint
When news of the incident spread within the school, students became enraged. They mobilized, stormed the checkpoint, and attacked the soldiers.
In response, the soldiers allegedly opened fire, injuring some students. However, the students overpowered the troops, burned down the checkpoint, and cleared barricades from the road.
Community Outrage & Calls for Soldiers’ Withdrawal
The incident has heightened tension in Katsina-Ala, with residents expressing anger over the soldiers’ conduct. Many questioned why troops, deployed for security operations, were engaging in relationships with secondary school students.
Some community leaders and residents are now demanding the withdrawal of soldiers from Abako town.
The Police Area Command has confirmed the incident, stating that normalcy has returned to the area. Meanwhile, the school has vowed to take legal action, announcing plans to petition the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja.
