‘Arsonists’ set fire on residence of former Benue governor


Hoodlums have reportedly burned down the residence of the late Aper Aku, a former governor of Benue state.

Aku was the governor of Benue from 1979 to 1983.

The residence, located in the Gboko area of the state, was said to have been set ablaze on Monday at about 8 a.m.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Aku Deborah, daughter of the late former governor, said all persons residing in the house were rescued by the police before it was burnt down.

She said a man had approached the house with a cutlass in March, threatening them that his goat died after drinking water from the place.

Deborah said her mother reported the matter to the police, adding that the man was later charged in court.

She said over 30 men besieged their house on Monday morning.

“The incident started between 7 am and 8 am on Monday. They came around and did not talk to anyone numbering over 30,” she told journalists.

“When we noticed that their visit was not friendly, we locked all the doors and called the police.

“Before the police could arrive, they started destroying the house, killed our dog, broke into the pig house and carted away all the pigs. They also destroyed our mother’s car.

“The police arrived and were able to rescue us out of the house. We left with the police with only what we were putting on.

“While we were on our way with the police, the house was burnt with everything inside. The police came in two trucks but the boys were many and even attacked them too.

“If not for them, we would have probably been burnt inside the house. We were six inside the house.

“We are waiting for the police to carry out their investigations. We have also reported the matter to all the relevant authorities, including the governor and speaker because this is his constituency.”

Catherine Anene, spokesperson of the Benue police command, also confirmed the incident to journalists on Tuesday.