On Wednesday, there were reports of a group of youths attacking the convoy of Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA. The protesters, hailing from Ugondu community in Benue, allegedly threw stones at the governor’s convoy, expressing their discontent over plans to bury Engr. Michael Vaatia, the proprietor of Vaatia College, Makurdi, within the school premises located in their community.
The governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, had visited Vaatia College to assess preparations for the burial of Engr. Vaatia, who passed away a few days earlier and was scheduled for burial within the school premises on Thursday.
According to reports, the angered youths from Ugondu community entered the school premises, damaging the grave in the process. During the governor’s address to community leaders within the school, the youths disrupted the proceedings and chanted war songs. Security escorts attempted to prevent their access to the school, resulting in some of the governor’s entourage being trapped outside.
To control the situation, the police special unit known as Operation Zenda was deployed, overpowering the protesting youths and making several arrests. Six Ugondu youths were reportedly taken into custody for throwing objects at the governor’s convoy.
Governor Alia, while addressing community leaders, urged against actions that could lead to chaos and disunity in the state. He expressed concern about potential confessions from arrested youths and cautioned community leaders to avoid being implicated in the incident.
Governor Alia later addressed students on campus, assuring them of safety during and after the burial. He directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure peace during the wake-keep and the burial scheduled for Thursday.
At the time of the report, reconstruction of the damaged grave by the irate Ugondu youths was underway in preparation for the deceased proprietor’s interment on Thursday.