Ex-Benue governor’s home set ablaze… family escapes death

The family of former Benue State governor, Aper Aku are lucky to be alive after their home was attacked and set ablaze by hoodlums in the Gboko.
Narrating their ordeal, a daughter of the late governor who reigned between 1979-83, Deborah Aku said the attackers numbering over 30 stormed their home on Monday morning, but for the quick intervention of the police they would have been burnt alive.
She stated that a man had come into the house to threaten them back in March, claiming that his goat died after drinking water in the compound. Miss Aku added that their mother reported the threat to the police and the matter was charged to court.
“ But on Monday morning they came 7am and 8am. They came around and didn’t talk to anyone. When we noticed that their visit was not friendly we locked all the doors and called the Police.
“Before the Police could arrive they started destroying the house, killed our dog, broke into the pig house and carted away all the pigs. They also destroyed our mother’s car.
“The Police arrived and were able to rescue us out of the house. We left with the Police with only the clothes we were putting on. While we were on our way with the Police the house was burnt with everything inside. The Police came in two trucks but the boys were many and even attacked them too.
“Yesterday (Monday) when the incident happened the Police were only able to rescue us out of the house before it was burnt down. If not for them we would have probably been burnt inside the house. We were six inside the house.
“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.” she narrated.
Benue Police spokesperson SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident to journalists on Tuesday in Makurdi, but did not give further details or whether any arrests have been made.
Meanwhile, Senior Special Assistant to Benue Governor on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment, Mkeenem Moses, has condemned the attack on the residence of Aku who is the first civilian Governor of the state. He called on the security agents to bring the culprits to book.