The Benue State government on Wednesday said the residence burnt down by hoodlums in Gboko belongs to a relative of the former governor of the state, the late Aper Aku, and not the deceased himself as widely reported.

Daily Trust had earlier reported how the residence was torched by hoodlums on Monday after the police swiftly rescued six occupants from the building when it came under attack.

Olomon Iorpev, the Technical Advisor to the Governor of Benue on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, in a statement, said the house belonged to Ityungu Aku, a relative of the former governor.

“While the governor of Benue State condemns in strong terms the destruction of any property within the state, it should be clear that the residence that was attacked belonged to Mr Ityungu Aku, a relative of the former governor, situated in Mbayion near the former Ter Gboko Akaahan Adi’s house,” Iorpev said.

He said Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the attack on the Ityungu Aku family home, labelling it as “barbaric and reprehensible.”

The governor also instructed the Gboko LGA caretaker chairman to investigate the incident thoroughly and report back promptly for necessary action.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent confirmed that the destroyed building belonged to a relative of the late Gov. Aper Aku.

Anene also said one kindred head from the community where the burnt property is located is currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation. (Daily Trust: Text, Excluding Headline)