By Peter Dansu Tension gripped Saghev Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday following a disturbing incident in which...
By Peter Dansu
Tension gripped Saghev Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday following a disturbing incident in which irate final-year students of Gyutiev Model College allegedly set fire to the home of their principal, Mr. Isaac Yina.
According to multiple reports, the students were enraged after reportedly discovering that they had not been registered for the 2025 National Examination Council (NECO) exams—despite each of them paying ₦85,000 for the process. With 178 students affected, the total amount allegedly collected by the principal is estimated at over ₦15 million.
The arson attack was said to have occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 27. Residents of the area woke up to thick smoke and flames engulfing the principal’s residence, though it remains unclear whether Mr. Yina or his family members were present at the time of the incident.
Community leaders and local authorities have since condemned the destruction of property but have also called for a thorough investigation into the students’ claims.
“This incident is unfortunate and speaks to a growing mistrust between school authorities and students,” one community elder told reporters. “We cannot condone violence, but we also cannot ignore the gravity of the allegations. If these students were truly duped out of their exam fees, someone must be held accountable.”
The Benue State Police Command has yet to release an official statement, but local sources confirm that an investigation has been launched. Meanwhile, the affected students—many of whom now face an uncertain academic future—are demanding justice.
Parents and guardians of the students have also begun to speak out, accusing the school of negligence and betrayal.
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