Tragedy struck Jato Aka community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State after Miss Gloria Songo, a student of ATM Science and Technical College, was shot dead by soldiers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke.

Gloria, who was among three students hit by bullets on Tuesday, succumbed to her injuries yesterday in the hospital.

Her death sparked massive protests across Jato Aka as her schoolmates marched through the town carrying posters of the deceased and singing songs of remembrance. Many described her as “disciplined, hardworking, and full of promise.”

Eyewitnesses recounted how tension gripped the streets as students wept openly, demanding the withdrawal of soldiers from their community.

The incident, which comes just days after soldiers allegedly opened fire on mourners returning from a burial—killing two students instantly—has worsened distrust between residents and security personnel.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Edeme, the soldiers claimed they came under attack from hoodlums while on patrol and only fired back in self-defense. However, community elders strongly disputed the account, insisting the military turned their weapons on innocent residents.

“The soldiers were sent here to protect us, not to kill our children. We cannot understand why this keeps happening,” one community elder told journalists.

The killing of Miss Gloria brings the number of student casualties in Jato Aka and Turan to three within four days, further heightening calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of security forces in the area.

Protests have since spread beyond Jato Aka to neighboring settlements, with residents demanding justice for Gloria and other slain students.