Tensions Escalate in Benue as Police and Youths Storm APC Secretariat, Set Up Blockade

Tensions Escalate in Benue as Police and Youths Storm APC Secretariat, Set Up Blockade

In a dramatic turn of events, a group of angry youths stormed the All Progressives Congress (Apc) Secretariat in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday, August 15, 2024. The group, frustrated with the recent political developments in the state, was joined by police officers in a tense standoff that led to a blockade of the party’s headquarters.

The protest was reportedly triggered by dissatisfaction among the youth over the alleged imposition of candidates by the APC leadership in the state. The youths accused the party’s leaders of sidelining grassroots members in favor of “anointed” candidates, leading to growing discontent within the party ranks.

This situation has been brewing for weeks, with several local party members expressing their concerns about the lack of transparency in the candidate selection process for the upcoming elections. The unrest reached a boiling point when it was announced that certain candidates had been selected without consultation or input from the local party members, sparking outrage among the youth.

According to eyewitnesses, the youths, numbering in the hundreds, arrived at the APC Secretariat early Wednesday morning, chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages condemning the party’s leadership. The protest quickly escalated as the youths attempted to force their way into the building.

In response to the situation, the Benue State Police Command deployed officers to the scene to maintain order. However, tensions continued to rise as the youths refused to back down, leading to a standoff between the two groups.

By midday, the situation had deteriorated further, with the youths setting up a blockade around the APC Secretariat, effectively cutting off access to the building. The blockade involved burning tires and makeshift barricades, with the protesters demanding that the party’s leadership address their grievances.

Benue State APC Chairman, Austin Agada, addressed the media shortly after the incident, expressing his concern over the developments. Agada acknowledged the grievances of the youths but urged them to remain calm and avoid any actions that could lead to violence.

“We understand the frustrations of our young members and the concerns they have raised regarding the candidate selection process,” Agada said. “However, I urge everyone to remain peaceful and allow the party leadership to address these issues through dialogue and constructive engagement.”

Agada also assured the protesters that the party would take immediate steps to address their concerns, including convening a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the way forward.

On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the deployment of officers to the scene and emphasized that the police were there to maintain peace and order.

“Our officers were deployed to the APC Secretariat to ensure that the situation did not escalate into violence,” Anene said. “We are here to protect lives and property, and we urge the protesters to express their grievances peacefully without resorting to violence or destruction.”

Anene also warned that the police would not hesitate to take action against any individuals found to be inciting violence or engaging in criminal activities.

The incident has sparked reactions from various political figures in Benue State and beyond. Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who recently defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the ruling party’s handling of the situation.

“This incident is a clear indication of the growing disconnect between the APC leadership and the grassroots,” Ortom said in a statement. “The people of Benue deserve better, and it is high time the party’s leadership listens to the voices of the people rather than imposing candidates on them.”

Similarly, Dr. Tivlumun Nyitse, a prominent political analyst in the state, warned that the unrest could have serious implications for the APC’s chances in the upcoming elections if not addressed promptly.

“The events at the APC Secretariat today are a wake-up call for the party’s leadership,” Nyitse said. “If they do not take immediate steps to address the concerns of their members, they risk losing the support of the grassroots, which could be disastrous in the upcoming elections.”

As of the time of this report, the situation at the APC Secretariat remains tense, with the youths refusing to lift the blockade until their demands are met. The party’s leadership is reportedly working behind the scenes to defuse the situation and find a resolution to the crisis.

In the meantime, calls for calm and dialogue continue to pour in from various quarters, with many urging the APC leadership to take swift action to address the grievances of their members and restore peace in the party.

The next few days will be critical for the APC in Benue State as they navigate this challenging situation. The party’s ability to manage the crisis effectively will likely determine their prospects in the forthcoming elections and their standing among the people of Benue.