The police in Benue State have arrested six persons among the protesting youths of Ugondu in the Makurdi Local Government Area for allegedly throwing objects at Governor Alia’s convoy, when he visited Vaatia College to assess the level of arrangement for the burial of Engr. Michael Vaatia.
Vaatia, the proprietor of the College died a few days ago and is to be buried Thursday, within the school premises.
However, youths from the host community of Ugondu were alleged to have invaded the school on Tuesday night and destroyed the grave while chanting war songs when the governor was addressing leaders of the community in the school.
Reports said the youths disrupted the proceedings as security escorts attempted to prevent them from entering the school, while some of the governor’s entourage were trapped outside.
Reports qoting sources said the youths, in their numbers, allegedly fired in the air to scare sympathisers, but the arrival of men of OPERATIONS ZENDA – a combined security outfit – overpowered them and arrested scores while others fled the scene.
Governor Alia, while addressing the leaders of Ugondu community including former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary, Akange Audu, the Paramount ruler of Makurdi, and other traditional rulers, warned against acts that might create acrimony and disunity in the State.
“I have come to correct some misgivings that happened in the rulership of your son as governor. I sent both the Tiv, Idoma and other tribes to overseas for training without discrimination.
“I want to believe you the traditional and community leaders denying involvement in what has happened. Surely, some youths arrested will make confessions and if they mention your name, be ready to go and answer.”
Governor Alia, who later addressed students on campus, assured them of safety during and after the burial and directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to ensure that peace prevail for the wake keep and for the burial tomorrow.
Some political leaders and elder statesmen including Senators Daniel Saror and Fred Orti and other prominent personalities were on ground, even as the suspects were whisked away by the detachment of security forces.
As of Wednesday evening, reconstruction of the damaged grave was ongoing ahead of interment on Thursday.