Hoodlums Burn Down Former Benue State Governor, Aper Aku's Residence; Police Rescue Occupants

In a shocking turn of events, the residence of late Aper Aku, a former Governor of Benue State, located in Gboko, was set ablaze by hoodlums in a brazen act of vandalism.

Deborah Aku, daughter of the late governor, disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday, with the occupants of the residence narrowly escaping harm as they were safely evacuated from the burning building.

Providing details of the harrowing ordeal, Deborah recounted that the trouble began when a man wielding a cutlass arrived at the residence, threatening violence over the death of his goat allegedly caused by water from the premises. This confrontation escalated swiftly as a mob of over 30 individuals besieged the house between the hours of 7am and 8am on Monday, trapping all six occupants inside.

"The incident started between 7am and 8am on Monday. They came around, numbering over 30. When we noticed that their visit was not friendly we locked all the doors and called the Police," Deborah explained.

Before the authorities could intervene, the assailants wreaked havoc, destroying property, and even killing the family's dog. Despite the timely arrival of the Police, the mob persisted in their destructive rampage, forcing the occupants to flee with only the clothes on their backs. Tragically, the residence was engulfed in flames, consuming everything within its confines.

Confirming the incident, the state's Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, acknowledged the attack but indicated that further details were not immediately available.

"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," Deborah asserted, highlighting the family's determination to seek justice.

The incident underscores the growing menace of lawlessness and vigilantism in the region, prompting calls for swift action from law enforcement agencies and government authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and restore order to the community.