Army checkpoint set ablaze as soldiers, students clash over girlfriend

The troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at Abako town in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State have clashed with secondary school students over a dispute involving a girl.

The incident led to an army checkpoint being set on fire by the angry students.

It was gathered that the soldiers also fired at the students, resulting in some injuries.

A teacher in the school, Peter Anande, disclosed that the trouble began when a soldier, who was in a relationship with a female student named Veronica, bought her a pair of earrings.

Anande said: “Veronica wore the earrings to school, but they were confiscated by the school’s head girl because such accessories were not allowed.

“Veronica then reported the incident to the soldiers at the nearby checkpoint.

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“While it was break time, the head girl went to the market for breakfast, and at the checkpoint, she was harassed and assaulted by the soldiers for taking the earrings.”

He added that a teacher who went to intervene was also harassed and beaten by the soldiers.

It was learnt that the students later gathered and attacked the soldiers at the checkpoint.

The teacher added: “In response, the soldiers opened fire, but the students managed to overpower them.

“They then set the checkpoint on fire and blocked the road with burning tyres and wood.”

Many residents also called for the soldiers to be removed from Abako town.

The local police confirmed the incident, adding that normalcy had been restored.

The Star