Amidst security concerns and political tensions, the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretariat in Benue finds itself in a state of closure.
The Benue State Police Command took decisive action by sealing off the All Progressives Congress (APC) State secretariat in Makurdi and thwarting Mr. Austin Agada-led Executives’ scheduled political meeting slated for Friday, March 1 and 3, 2024. This meeting, convened by the APC executives and involving selected stakeholders and the newly appointed Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Executive Director for Housing, Finance, and Accounts, Dr. Matthias Byuan, was a significant political event in Makurdi.
The State Police Command, in a letter signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Samuel Gimba on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, addressed to Mr. Agada, explicitly advised against proceeding with the meetings. This directive stemmed from an earlier communication received from Governor Hyacinth Alia, via his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam. The governor’s letter, dated February 27, 2024, imposed a ban on all forms of political meetings and gatherings in the state due to the heightened security concerns prevalent in Benue.
The letter read: “I write to inform you that Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alla has banned all political gatherings in any form, be it inter or intra party or groups in Benue State till further notice.
“This has become necessary following Intelligence on the volatility of the security atmosphere in the state. “It is certainly not news to you how the security atmosphere in the state has charged following the unprecedented influx of armed herdsmen in the state. You are by this notification invited to enforce this directive.”
Governor Alia’s directive was a response to the escalating security challenges posed by the influx of armed herdsmen in the state. The government’s priority was to maintain public safety and prevent any potential unrest or violence stemming from political activities. The ban underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to mitigate the risks posed by political gatherings in the current volatile environment.
The Benue State Police Command, acting in accordance with Governor Alia’s directive, urged Mr. Agada to suspend the planned meetings until further notice. The police emphasized the importance of compliance with the governor’s order and stressed the imperative of prioritizing public safety over political engagements. Consequently, the police took proactive measures to enforce the directive, including the sealing off of the APC State Secretariat located on J S Tarka Road in Makurdi.
Early Friday morning, at around 6 am, stern-looking police personnel were deployed to secure the roads leading to the APC State Secretariat. The move was intended to prevent any attempts to convene the scheduled meetings and ensure strict adherence to the governor’s directive. The police presence underscored the seriousness with which the authorities regarded the situation and their determination to uphold law and order in the state.
The decision to seal off the APC State secretariat and halt the planned political meetings underscored the complexities of managing political activities amid security challenges. It reflected the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Benue State and its willingness to take decisive action to safeguard public safety. The incident also highlighted the delicate balance between political freedoms and security imperatives in a fragile socio-political context like Benue. Ultimately, it served as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges facing governance and security in the region.
To read more stories like this, click politics.