There was pandemonium in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA of Benue state as reports emerged of angry youths attacking the convoy of the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia. The unrest was triggered by the proposed burial of Engr. Michael Vaatia, the proprietor of Vaatia College, Makurdi, within the school premises in their community.
The agitated Ugondu youths unleashed their fury on the governor’s convoy, pelting it with stones to express their disapproval of the burial plans. As tension escalated, the police apprehended six of the protesting youths for their unruly conduct.
Gov Alia had visited Vaatia College to inspect the arrangements for the burial of Engr Vaatia, who tragically passed away. The deceased, who served as the college’s proprietor, is scheduled for interment within the school premises.
The unruly youths from Ugondu community reportedly stormed the school, vandalizing the grave and disrupting the proceedings with their clamorous war chants as the governor engaged community leaders. Security escorts struggled to contain the situation and prevent the youths from accessing the school, resulting in a tumultuous encounter.
Amidst the chaos, the youths resorted to firing gunshots into the air in a bid to intimidate, but their efforts were quelled with the timely intervention of the police special unit, Operation Zenda, leading to several arrests.
Gov Alia, in his address to the community leaders, including former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, Ter Makurdi, and other traditional rulers, urged for restraint and emphasized the need to avert discord and disunity within the state.
Addressing the students on campus, Gov Alia reassured them of their safety during and after the burial. He directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure the preservation of peace during the wake-keep and the burial, both scheduled for Thursday.
The reconstruction of the desecrated grave by the angered Ugondu youths was already in progress, in anticipation of the deceased proprietor’s interment on Thursday. Despite the turbulence, Governor Alia is committed to ensuring a peaceful and dignified farewell for Engr. Michael Vaatia.
