Principal’s House Set on Fire in Benue Over Alleged NECO Fee Fraud

Final-year students of Gyutiev Model College in Saghev Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, have allegedly torched the residence of their principal, Mr. Isaac Yina, over claims of examination fraud.

According to reports, the students took the drastic action in the early hours of Friday after discovering they were not registered for the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) exams, despite each paying N85,000. A total of 178 students were reportedly affected, amounting to over N15 million allegedly collected by the principal.

The incident has caused tension within the community, with angry students accusing Mr. Yina of misappropriating the registration fees.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive an official report on the matter. “When I find out, I will let you know,” she told reporters.

This development comes amid lingering unrest in Guma LGA, which is still recovering from a recent attack on Yelwata community that left over 200 people dead. It remains unclear whether the arson incident is connected to the broader instability in the region.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the allegations and the arson, as residents call for accountability and swift action.