On Wednesday, several youths reportedly attacked the convoy of Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, in Ugondu town in Makurdi LGA of the state.
The youths from Ugondu village in Makurdi LGA, Benue, who assaulted the governor’s convoy with stones, were opposing plans to bury Engr. Michael Vaatia, proprietor of Vaatia College, Makurdi, within the school premises located in their community.
Six of the protesting Ugondu teenagers were arrested by police for throwing things at the governor’s vehicle, according to DAILY POST.
Gov Alia had visited Vaatia College to check the extent of preparation for the deceased proprietor’s burial.
Engr Vaatia, the College’s proprietor, died a few days ago and will be buried on the school grounds on Thursday.
The school was allegedly invaded and destroyed by furious adolescents from the host town of Ugondu.
When the governor addressed community leaders at the school, they were spotted in huge numbers screaming war songs.
The claimed teenagers reportedly disrupted the proceedings as security escorts sought to bar them from entering the school, while some of the governor’s entourage was detained outside.
According to sources, the youngsters allegedly fired gunshots into the air to terrify onlookers, but they were overwhelmed by the arrival of the police special unit, code-named Operation Zenda, and several of them were captured.
While speaking to leaders of the Ugondu community, including former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, Ter Makurdi, and other traditional rulers, Gov Alia warned against acts that could cause turmoil and divisiveness 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 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.”
He added that about a week ago, an Igbo man and one other person who died were buried in Makurdi town without protest from any youth group and called for calm.
Gov Alia, who later addressed students on campus, assured them of safety during and after the burial.
He directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure that peace prevails during the wake-keep and the burial slated for Thursday.
The reconstruction of the damaged grave by the irate Ugondu youths was ongoing at the time of this report ahead of the interment of the deceased proprietor on Thursday.