Benue Teacher Shot Dead After Confrontation with Civil Protection Guard Commander

A post-primary school teacher, Simon Iorkase, has been shot dead in Abaji-Kpav, Tordonga, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State following a dispute with the Ward Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG).

According to sources, the incident occurred while the BSCPG commander was on duty, engaging in a conversation with a young woman he knew, when two men, reportedly heavily intoxicated, approached them. An eyewitness said one of the men began harassing the woman, claiming he was her teacher and questioning why she had not greeted him. The commander tried to calm the situation, but the teacher reportedly felt insulted, and a heated argument broke out.

Tension escalated as the two men allegedly attempted to seize the commander’s service rifle. During the struggle, the firearm discharged, striking Iorkase, who sustained severe injuries and died almost immediately. The second man reportedly fired a locally made pistol at the BSCPG commander, injuring his right hand before fleeing.

Residents quickly fled the scene, and the police were called. The BSCPG commander was taken into protective custody for questioning, while the body of the deceased teacher was evacuated.

The State Commander of the BSCPG, Capt Ayuma Ajobi (retd.), confirmed the incident, stating that the case has been handed over to the police for investigation. The Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet been briefed on the matter.