A tragic incident has shocked residents of Oju Local Government Area in Benue State, where a 16-year-old student reportedly beat his teacher to death following a disagreement over a seized school item.

The student, identified as Friday Ogamude, a Junior Secondary School 3 pupil at UBE Oju Centre, allegedly attacked his teacher, Mr Oyibe Oyibe, during an argument over a school cap that had been confiscated since May 2025.

According to reports, the confrontation occurred on Thursday, July 10, 2025, when the student confronted the 35-year-old teacher about the cap. Eyewitnesses say the situation escalated quickly, resulting in a physical altercation during which the student allegedly struck the teacher.

The teacher reportedly collapsed on the spot and was rushed to Amara Hospital in Oju, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the student and expressed deep concern over the incident. “This is a sad and shocking case. We have arrested the suspect and commenced full investigations,” a police spokesperson said. “We assure the public that justice will be done.”

The remains of the deceased teacher have been deposited at the General Hospital in Oju for autopsy as the police continue their investigations.

The incident has sparked outrage among education stakeholders, with calls for greater discipline in schools and stronger measures to protect teachers. One concerned parent, Mrs. Agnes Aondofa, remarked, “No teacher should die at the hands of a student. This speaks to a deeper societal issue that must be addressed urgently.”

The case is expected to attract significant attention as authorities and community leaders seek to understand the factors that led to such a violent outcome between a student and his teacher.