No fewer than 21 persons from Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State were on Wednesday docked at a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court for allegedly burning 80 houses in Tarka Local Government Area.
The accused include Jimeshio Kur, Ioryue Aondufa, Ugi Terseer, Iorhem Akande, Mchia Azungu, Tyowase Aba, Apar Terhember and Mzungwe Ieren.
Others are Igba Teryima, Terngu Tyolumun, Ahua Terzungwe, Adi Terkaa, Acha Mbajiga, Aondongu Damsa, Nyitar Aondona and Terhemen Terso.
The suspects also include Sughter Kumagagh, Tarkaha Achia, Iorhen Kyah, Sev Aondoyavga, Tyongi Ibieh.
They were charged with criminal conspiracy, public disturbance and mischief by fire, punishable under sections 97, 116 and 338 of the Penal Code of Benue State, 2004.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Gabriel Ebonyi, told the court that the Area Commander in Gboko, ACP Olukayode Sunday, brought the accused persons to the State CID, Makurdi on September 19.
Ebonyi said that the ACP received information through the Divisional Police Officer of Tarka Division, CSP Vincent Ukpetu, on that same date that crisis broke out in Tarka and people were burning houses.
He said that the command swung into action and arrested the suspects allegedly in connection with the offences.
The prosecutor said that when the case came up for mention, pleas were not taken for lack of jurisdiction by the magistrates’ court.
The Magistrate, Cyril Enyi, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till October 10, 2016 for mention.
Source: Today.ng
