Benue State Police Command Seals APC Secretariat, Cancels Meeting Amidst Security Concerns

The Benue State Police Command has taken action to seal the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Makurdi, the state capital.

This move comes as part of efforts to enforce a ban on political gatherings in the state due to security concerns.

The police also halted a scheduled meeting of the Mr. Austin Agada-led Executives, which was planned to take place on Friday, March 1 and 3, 2024.

The meeting, which was called by the APC executives with selected stakeholders and the newly appointed Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Executive Director, Housing, Finance, and Accounts, Dr. Matthias Byuan, was aimed at discussing party and governmental matters.

The State Police Command, in a letter signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Samuel Gimba on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, addressed to Mr. Agada, advised that the meetings be called off.

The Command cited an earlier letter from Governor Hyacinth Alia, received on February 27, 2024, which imposed a ban on all forms of political meetings and gatherings in the state.

The Governor’s letter, signed by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, stated: “I write to inform you that His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alla has banned all political gatherings in any form, be it inter or intra party or groups in Benue State till further notice.”

The ban was imposed due to concerns over the volatile security situation in the state, particularly the influx of armed herdsmen.

The Police Command’s action to seal the APC secretariat and cancel the meeting underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Benue State.