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The ongoing turmoil within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) once again made headlines on Friday as security forces were deployed to the party’s secretariat in Makurdi to prevent a potential clash between rival factions.

Reports from Media Talk Africa revealed that security personnel intervened when the Agada faction, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, attempted to convene a meeting at the secretariat.

This marked the second instance in a month where anti-riot police took control of the Austin Agade-led APC Secretariat in Makurdi, Benue State. The state is currently divided between two factions, each controlling their own APC secretariat – one led by Agada and the other by Benjamin Omakolo.

The Agada-led State Working Committee had scheduled an inauguration ceremony for members of the zoning committee for the upcoming council elections at the secretariat on Friday. However, the presence of anti-riot police officers blocking access to the venue caused confusion and tension among attendees.

At the time of reporting, the situation was further complicated by the arrival of Okada riders, believed to be aligned with the Benjamin Omakolo-led APC SWC and loyal to Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia. Governor Alia had previously issued a ban on all political activities and public gatherings in Benue State.

The standoff at the APC secretariat underscores the deep-rooted divisions within the party in Benue State, with political tensions escalating amidst conflicting interests and power struggles. As the situation unfolds, the specter of violence looms large, highlighting the fragile state of political affairs in the region.