The Governor of Nigeria’s Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, encountered a hostile crowd during his visit to the Ugondu community in Makurdi Local Government Area, being booed and pelting with stones, all due to their strong objections to the proposed burial of Engr. Michael Vaatia, the proprietor of Vaatia College, within the school premises located in their community.
It is an unfortunate incident that marred what was supposed to be a routine visit by the governor. As he arrived in Ugondu, tensions quickly escalated as the residents vehemently protested against the plans for the burial.
Gov Alia had visited Vaatia College to assess the level of preparation for the burial of the deceased proprietor.
Engr Vaatia, who is the proprietor of the College, died a couple of days ago and is to be buried within the school premises on Thursday.
The community members, feeling that it was inappropriate to bury the late Engr. Michael Vaatia within the school premises, felt compelled to voice their discontent, resulting in a disturbing display of hostility towards the governor.
The angry youths from the host community of Ugondu allegedly invaded the school and destroyed the grave.
They were seen in large numbers chanting war songs when the governor was addressing leaders of the community in the school.
It was gathered that the said youths disrupted the proceedings as security escorts attempted to prevent them from accessing the school, while some of the governor’s entourage were trapped outside.
Sources said the youths allegedly fired gunshots into the air to scare people but were overpowered with the arrival of the police special unit, code-named Operation Zenda, and several of them were arrested.
The Governor was in the company of former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, Ter Makurdi, and other traditional rulers.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Governor’s office has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to address the concerns raised by the community.
Gov Alia, cautioned against acts that could create chaos and disunity in the state.
“I have come to correct some misgivings that happened in the rulership of your son as governor,” he
“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 he 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-keeping 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.
