Yaga, Council Worker Commits Suicide Over Unpaid Salaries in Benue

A casual worker with Gwer East Local Government Council in Benue State has committed suicide by setting himself ablaze over alleged untold hardship.

Daily Trust gathered that the deceased, Aondona Yaga, locked himself inside his house in Aliade, the headquarters of the local government, before setting the fire at about 8:00 am on Tuesday.

The incident happened barely 24hours after a similar incident in which a lady set her boyfriend on fire in Gboko area of the state.

It was learnt that the deceased had complained bitterly about his unpaid allowances, which, witnesses said, had resulted in his inability to treat an ailment.

A witness alleged that the late Yaga was owed a three-year monthly allowance of N5000 and that meeting the basic necessities of life became unbearable for him.

Vice-Chairman of Gwer East LGC, Austin Nemba, told newsmen in Makurdi by telephone, that the deceased was a hardworking staff and expressed surprise that the deceased took his own life.

When contacted, the Police Spokesperson for Benue Command, DSP Catherine Anene confirmed the incident.