Governor Alia is being stoned and booed by enraged youths in Makurdi.
On Wednesday, furious youths reportedly attacked the convoy of Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia in the Ugondu town of Makurdi LGA, Benue State.
The demonstration was in response to intentions to bury Engr. Michael Vaatia, the proprietor of Vaatia College, within the school grounds in their town.
The governor had come to Vaatia College to oversee the preparations for the dead proprietor’s burial. However, disgruntled teenagers from the Ugondu neighbourhood assaulted the governor’s convoy with stones. The police intervened and arrested six of the protesting youngsters for throwing things at the governor’s motorcade.
During the incident, the enraged students allegedly stormed the school and demolished the cemetery. They disrupted the governor’s speech to community leaders at the school, trapping part of his entourage outside as security attempted to prevent the youths from entering the premises. The youngsters allegedly fired gunshots into the air before being overpowered by the arrival of the police special squad, Operation Zenda, which resulted in multiple arrests.
In his message to community leaders, Governor Alia warned against activities that could lead to turmoil and divisiveness in the state, including former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, and local traditional rulers.
He emphasised the necessity of keeping the peace and his attempts to promote inclusivity and equal chances for all tribes in the state.
The governor also promised students on campus that they would be protected during and after the funeral. He asked the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to maintain order during the wake and burial on Thursday. Irate Ugondu boys were attempting to rebuild the ruined grave in preparation for the interment of the deceased proprietor.