A group of youths in Ugondu, a community within the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, allegedly attacked the convoy of Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday. The incident reportedly stemmed from grievances related to the burial of Engr. Michael Vaatia, the late proprietor of Vaatia College, who is set to be interred on the school premises, located within the Ugondu community. Six youths were subsequently detained by the police for pelting the governor's convoy with stones.
The governor had visited Vaatia College to inspect preparations for the burial, but the situation escalated when the Ugondu youths, visibly angered, gathered en masse, chanting war songs and opposing the burial site within the college grounds. They allegedly invaded the school grounds, where they disrupted proceedings, damaged the grave prepared for the deceased, and fired gunshots into the air to intimidate the gathering. Security escorts faced challenges containing the protestors, and part of the governor's entourage was temporarily unable to access the school until police reinforcements arrived.
During a meeting with Ugondu community leaders, including prominent figures like former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, and Ter Makurdi, Governor Alia emphasized the need to maintain peace and unity. He expressed concerns over actions that could lead to instability within the state and warned community leaders to distance themselves from any unruly behavior, urging them to prevent such incidents in the future. He added that any individuals implicated by those in custody would be held accountable.
Governor Alia also cited recent burials of non-indigenous persons in Makurdi town that proceeded without unrest, calling for similar tolerance from Ugondu youths. He addressed students of Vaatia College, reassuring them of their safety throughout the funeral events and instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to uphold peace during the wake-keep and burial scheduled for Thursday.
Reconstruction of the damaged grave was underway at the time of this report, ensuring the burial preparations proceed as planned despite the earlier disruptions.
