A heated altercation between soldiers and secondary school students in Abako town, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, has escalated into violence, leaving several injured and an army checkpoint in flames.
The conflict reportedly started over a female student, Veronica, whose soldier boyfriend bought her a pair of earrings. When she wore them to school, they were confiscated by the head girl, as such accessories were against school regulations. Upset by this, Veronica took her complaint to the soldiers stationed at a local checkpoint.
According to a teacher, Peter Anande, “While it was break time, the head girl proceeded to the main market to get breakfast, and at the checkpoint, she was harassed and assaulted by the soldiers for seizing the earrings. A teacher who heard about the incident rushed to the checkpoint, but he was also harassed and battered.”
The news of the assault quickly spread within the school, sparking outrage among the students. Enraged, they mobilized and marched to the checkpoint, where a confrontation ensued. In response, the soldiers allegedly opened fire, but the students overpowered them, setting the checkpoint ablaze and clearing the barricaded road by burning tyres and wooden blocks.
The incident has heightened tensions in Katsina-Ala, a region already grappling with security concerns. Many residents, who have long been advocating for the removal of soldiers from the area, condemned their involvement in social affairs rather than focusing on security challenges.
Authorities have since intervened, with the police confirming that normalcy has been restored. However, the school has announced plans to take legal action, stating that they intend to petition the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja over the incident.
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
