A violent altercation in the Tordonga community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area has left a secondary school teacher dead and a local security commander wounded, leading to a police investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
The deceased has been identified as Mr. Simon Iorkase. The incident involved the Ward Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), who was on duty at the time in Abaji-Kpav.
According to preliminary accounts from sources familiar with the event, the confrontation began when the BSCPG commander was conversing with a young woman. Two men, reportedly intoxicated, approached them. One of the men, later identified as Iorkase, allegedly confronted the woman, claiming to be her teacher and questioning why she had not greeted him.
Witnesses state that as the commander attempted to defuse the escalating situation, a heated argument ensued. The encounter turned physical when the two men allegedly attempted to seize the commander’s service rifle.
“In the struggle for the firearm, the rifle discharged, fatally wounding Mr. Iorkase,” a source told Daily Trust. The teacher is reported to have died at the scene from his injuries.
Amidst the chaos, the second man allegedly produced a locally made pistol and shot the BSCPG commander in the right hand before fleeing. Police were alerted and responded promptly. Officers evacuated the victim’s body and took the wounded commander into custody for questioning.
The State Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (retd.), confirmed the incident, stating the matter had been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for a full investigation.
“The incident occurred, and the police are currently investigating to establish the full facts,” Ajobi said.
The BSCPG commander remains in protective custody as police work to determine the precise sequence of events and any potential liabilities. The case has raised concerns regarding public safety and the conduct of armed personnel in civilian areas.