Makurdi, Benue State – The Benue State Police Command, acting on directives from Governor Hyacinth Alia, sealed off the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretariat in Makurdi and halted a scheduled political meeting organized by the Mr. Austin Agada-led Executives.
The meeting, slated for Friday, March 1 and 3, 2024, was intended to include selected stakeholders and the newly appointed Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Executive Director Housing, Finance, and Accounts, Dr. Matthias Byuan.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Agada, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Samuel Gimba on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command cited an earlier communication from Governor Hyacinth Alia’s office.
The letter, dated February 27, 2024, and conveyed by Chief of Staff Paul Biam, imposed a ban on all forms of political gatherings in the state due to escalating security concerns.
The directive from Governor Alia emphasized the volatile security atmosphere in Benue State, attributed to an influx of armed herdsmen. The Governor’s office underscored the necessity of suspending political activities to ensure public safety.
The Police, acting in compliance with the Governor’s directive, urged Mr. Agada and the APC Executives to suspend the scheduled meetings and refrain from organizing any political gatherings until further notice.
Consequently, on Friday morning, police personnel sealed off the APC State Secretariat on J S Tarka Road in Makurdi, and strict security measures were enforced around the premises.
The decision to seal off the APC Secretariat and halt the scheduled meeting has sparked discussions among political observers and stakeholders in Benue State.
While some view the action as necessary to maintain law and order amidst security challenges, others perceive it as an infringement on political rights and freedom of association.
In response to the development, Mr. Agada expressed disappointment, stating that the APC Executives were unaware of the severity of the security situation necessitating the ban on political gatherings.
He emphasized the party’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure peace and security in the state.
Meanwhile, residents and members of the APC have expressed mixed reactions to the Police’s action.
Some residents commend the proactive measures taken by the authorities to address security threats, while others criticize the abrupt disruption of political activities, which they believe undermines democratic principles.
The situation has drawn attention to the delicate balance between security imperatives and democratic rights, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining peace in volatile regions.
As tensions persist, stakeholders await further developments and hope for constructive dialogue to address the underlying issues contributing to insecurity in Benue State.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
