Hoodlums unleashed chaos in the Gboko area of Benue State, targeting the residence of Late Aper Aku, the former Governor of the state, in a brazen act of arson that has shaken the community.
The horrifying incident unfolded on Monday, as assailants set ablaze the iconic residence, prompting the safe evacuation of its occupants before the flames consumed the building. Deborah Aku, daughter of the late governor, recounted the terrifying ordeal, acknowledging the timely intervention of the police, who ensured their safety amidst the chaos.
The roots of this heinous act can be traced back to March, when a disturbing encounter with a man wielding a cutlass foreshadowed the family’s ordeal. The man, alleging that his goat had died after drinking water from the premises, issued menacing threats, setting off a chain of events that culminated in Monday’s violent assault.
Despite seeking recourse through legal channels and reporting the initial threat to the authorities, the family found themselves under siege once again on Monday morning. Armed with weapons, a mob of over 30 individuals descended upon the house, wreaking havoc, vandalizing property, and mercilessly killing the family’s pet dog before igniting the flames that consumed the residence.
While the police managed to rescue the occupants from harm’s way, they were outnumbered and unable to prevent the wanton destruction unleashed by the assailants. As investigations into the incident unfold, authorities are urged to address the alarming escalation of security concerns in the area.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, stressed the imperative for a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Meanwhile, Mkeenem Moses, Senior Special Assistant to the Benue Governor, condemned the brazen attack, calling for swift and decisive action to safeguard the community and prevent future assaults.