Despite the fact that residents of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, shunned the #EndBadGovernance protest, service chiefs in the state led a show of force around the city. Security was beefed up in strategic locations such as the government house, CBN, PHCH, and other federal offices.
Our correspondent, who toured the state capital, observed a large number of policemen stationed in strategic places, particularly in the Wurukum area, which is notorious for hoodlum activities. Shops, filling stations, and banks in the Wurukum area remained closed out of fear of potential violence.
Reports indicate that the situation remained calm in Gboko and Otukpo towns, where normal activities continued without incident.
Addressing newsmen after the show of force around the capital city, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State, Hassan Yabanet, stated that despite assurances that residents would not participate in the ongoing protest, security operatives would leave no stone unturned to ensure adequate security in the state.
“This is why we have come out with other security agencies: the army, DSS, correctional services, road safety, federal fire service, immigration, civil defence, NDLEA, and NAPTIP. We have gone around the town in a show of force to ensure that no one is harassed or molested, and so far, so good. Everybody is going about their lawful business,” Yabanet said.
“There is no protest in Benue State. We have done a lot of engagement, myself and the Director of DSS and other security agencies, with NLC, NANS, traders, Tricycle, Okada, NURTW, market women, and even the traditional rulers. The two paramount rulers, Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, have spoken that they will not be part of any protest, and their people will not be part of any protest.”
The CP further reported that other towns in the state, such as Otukpo, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala, were calm.
“We have marshalled enough officers. There are people on standby, and we have positioned them strategically. All the strategic places and prison yards, correctional centres, and all the people and places that need to be protected are being protected.”
“The show of force is to give people confidence that they are secure and can come out and conduct their business. The town is safe, and people can go about their lawful business without fear of intimidation or molestation by anybody,” Yabanet concluded.
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