Achov Ruth, a 22-year-old woman from the Udei community within the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, discusses with IBRAHIM ADAM her sole brother, Achov Paul, who disappeared on August 2nd, 2025, following his reported arrest by authorities over an incident involving gunfire at a police facility.
What caused the police to detain your sibling?
A shooting occurred, and the police stated that he (my brother) was involved in the act. They mentioned that a man named Justine Yongu brought my brother to the location to participate in the operation.
Upon hearing this, my sibling approached Mr. Yongu and demanded that he go and clarify his reputation since he was completely unaware of the situation. Mr. Yongu informed my sibling that he couldn't visit the police station as it would make him appear dishonest.
Where did you find out about your sibling being taken into custody by law enforcement officials in Makurdi, located within Benue State?
I found out that Paul was arrested by the police prior to being brought to our home. When they were at our house, my brother instructed our cousin to get in touch with a lawyer, and the police also took our cousin along with them.
A week later, when our cousin returned to the police station with some food for him, they informed him that Paul had already left. Now it's only the two of us, and our parents are both running late. Besides our cousin, I don't know anyone else.
I learned that the Daudu Divisional Police Officer explicitly blamed him for his involvement in the shooting, and that's everything I know. I'm genuinely surprised because my brother wasn't present at the time of the incident.
What was your reply when you went to the police station?
A police officer I encountered informed me that they were not responsible for my brother's arrest. I visited the department where he was held, and the individual I spoke with there also stated that they did not make the arrest.
They claimed they only helped the previous officer from Daudu Police Station carry out the arrest, and they had no information regarding where my brother was.
What was your last interaction with your brother before he went missing?
On August 2, 2025, I met him, and we had a conversation. He urged me to treat my studies with greater seriousness. He mentioned that I was an orphan and needed to work harder since my education was the sole chance he had to assist me within his limited means.
He warned me against being fooled by any guy, as all they'd want from me was sexual attention, so I needed to concentrate on my studies. He feels that improved times lie ahead and nothing will remain the same forever.
He mentioned that I shouldn't place excessive pressure on myself and that each thing has its own appropriate moment. In his view, I shouldn't rush into feeling jealous of others' successes, as I too will experience happiness in due course.
Was there any indication of danger or conflict before Paul's arrest and vanishing?
After Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic in Lafia, Nasarawa State, reopened for the second semester, I needed to come back. On my way back, my brother didn’t provide me with funds to support myself, which led me to contact him.
He told me he was in the village and that when he returned to Makurdi, he would send food from the village to me. The plan was for me to receive the food items in Lafia. Then he would send me some money because he had already paid money for his farm work, too.
Have you filed any formal complaint about the development to the police?
Indeed, I have taken that step. I reached out to a lawyer as well as a human rights advocate named Ukan Kurugh. Together, we submitted an official complaint, although there hasn’t been any reply up until now.
Did you ever think that your sibling could have had a role in the reported incident at the Daudu Police Station?
Not at all! My brother was constantly taking care of his farm during the time of the event. He wasn't in town, much less close to the police station. I am completely certain that he has nothing to do with these matters.
As his only surviving family member, how has this situation affected you?
This situation has deeply impacted me, particularly on an emotional level. With my current age, my blood pressure has increased, which is negatively affecting my well-being. My academic performance has also been affected because I struggle to concentrate on my coursework owing to the stress and worry over my brother's missing status.
What would you like officials to accomplish from here?
I trust that the relevant officials will swiftly act to locate my brother and ensure his security. I additionally request the general population for any details that could assist in finding where he might be. Any assistance or encouragement would be sincerely valued.
What characteristics define Paul, and what sort of existence was he leading?
Paul is an exceptionally kind young individual. He stands tall with a dark skin tone, is mild-mannered, and speaks infrequently. He completed his studies at Benue State University, majoring in Philosophy.
How old is your brother?
He has reached the age of twenty-seven.
Do you think he might have died because of the belief that he was one of the people firing randomly at the police station?
Murdered? How? Why would they resort to killing him? The authorities shouldn't ever take such action since he is considered innocent until shown otherwise, and even then, he is merely a suspect until a legal trial determines his guilt.
I do not believe anyone should be killed based on suspicion alone. Even if there were allegations that he was among those who shot sporadically at the police station, allegations are not proof. The rule of law demands proper investigation, arrest, and trial.
Unlawful measures weaken the principles of justice, damage confidence in police authorities, and breach essential human rights. Each individual under suspicion should have the opportunity to present their case before a court. Any action beyond this procedure is illegal and not tolerated.
Are you content with how the authorities are managing this situation?
I'm not very content because everything remains quiet and I'm unaware of his location. I'm concerned for my brother's well-being. If they possess proof, they ought to bring him before the court, and if he is innocent, they must exonerate him.
What would you like to occur next?
I hope the authorities carry out a thorough inquiry and set my sibling free. All we desire is fairness and the restoration of his reputation.
What is his occupation?
He wanted to be a philosopher, but due to the poor economic situation in the country today, lack of job opportunities, he was unable to secure any job opportunity. So, he went back to farming where he buys crops when they are cheap, store them and then sell them later.
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