Benue state Governor Hyacinth Alia and his con convoy reportedly escaped unhurt from the hands of Ugondu youths threw objects at him when he visited Vaatia College to assess the level of arrangement for the burial of Engineer Michael Vaatia.
About six protesting Ugondu Youths of Makurdi local government area of Benue State, were arrested by the police in connection to the incident.
Youths from the host community of Ugondu were alleged to have invaded the school last night and destroyed the grave and were chanting war songs when the governor was addressing leaders of the community in the school.
Vaatia is the proprietor of the College and died a couple of days ago and is to be buried Thursday, within the school premises.
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Some of the governor’s entourage was stuck outside when the aforementioned youngsters reportedly interrupted the proceedings as security guards tried to bar them from entering the school.
According to THE WILL the youths in their numbers allegedly fired in the air to scare sympathisers, but with the arrival of men of OPERATIONS ZENDA, a combined security outfit overpowered them as scores were arrested while others fled the scene.
Governor Alia cautioned against actions that could lead to enmity and division in the state when speaking to prominent members of the Ugondu community, such as retired Permanent Secretary Fred Orti, former senator Fred Orti, Akange Audu, the Paramount ruler of Makurdi, and other traditional leaders.
“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 to 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.”
According to the governor, about a week ago, an Igbo man and one other, who died were buried in Makurdi town without protest from any youth group and call for calm.
In her subsequent speech to students on campus, Governor Alia reassured them that they would be safe both before and after the burial. She also gave the Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is in charge of operations, instructions to make sure that there is no unrest during the wake or the burial the next day.
According to report, Senators Daniel Saror and Fred Orti, among other notable figures, were among the political heavyweights and elder statesmen present on the scene while the suspects were being escorted off by a security detail.
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