The government of Benue State has clarified that the house razed by hoodlums in the Gboko area of the state belongs to a relative of the former governor of the state, the late Aper Aku, and not the former governor himself.

Reports had surfaced that yet-to-be-identified arsonists attacked the residence on Monday and set it ablaze.

It was also noted that if not for the intervention and rescue of the occupants of the house by the police, the inferno would have consumed all those living on the property.

Six occupants of the house were safely rescued and evacuated before the hoodlums burnt the house, the daughter of the late governor, Deborah Aku, told journalists in Makurdi, the state capital.

However, Olomon Lorpev, the Technical Advisor to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, clarified the ownership of the house in a statement.

He stated that the house belonged to Ityungu Aku, a relative of the former governor.

Governor Hyacinth Alia described the attack as “barbaric” and condemned the destruction of any property within the state.

“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,” Lorpev added.