A disturbing incident unfolded in Ugondu community, Makurdi Local Government Area in Benue State, as a group of enraged youths targeted the convoy of Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday.
The youths displayed their frustration by throwing stones at the governor’s convoy, resulting in the arrest of six individuals by the police.
The source of the uproar was the decision to bury the late proprietor of Vaatia College, Engr. Michael Vaatia, within the premises of the school situated in Ugondu community. The youths held strong opposition to this plan and saw it as a contentious issue worth protesting against.
Governor Alia had visited Vaatia College to assess the preparations for the impending burial ceremony. At the time of his arrival, the angry youths from Ugondu community stormed the school premises and even vandalized the grave. The governor’s entourage faced difficulties as security escorts attempted to prevent the protesters from gaining access to the school.
As the governor addressed the leaders of Ugondu community, a large number of agitated youths created a tense atmosphere, chanting war songs. The situation escalated further when these individuals disrupted the proceedings and fired gunshots into the air, attempting to intimidate others.
However, their actions were swiftly countered with the arrival of the police’s Operation Zenda unit, which led to several arrests.
Despite the discord caused by the angry youths, Governor Alia managed to address the community leaders, including esteemed individuals like former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, Ter Makurdi, and other traditional rulers.
The governor emphasized the need for unity and cautioned against actions that could jeopardize peace and harmony in the State.
Governor Alia further addressed the students on campus, assuring them of their safety during and after the burial ceremony. He instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to maintain peace and security during the wake-keep and Thursday’s burial.
Efforts are underway to reconstruct the damaged grave caused by the irate youths from Ugondu community. The preparations are being carried out diligently to successfully inter the deceased proprietor, Engr. Michael Vaatia, on Thursday.
