Irate young individuals hurl rocks and express disapproval towards Governor Alia in Makurdi.

A group of young individuals reportedly attacked the convoy of Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, in Ugondu community in Makurdi LGA of the state on Wednesday.

The youths, residents of Ugondu in Makurdi LGA of Benue, threw stones at the governor’s convoy, expressing their protest against plans to bury the proprietor of Vaatia College, Makurdi, Engr. Michael Vaatia, within the school premises located in their community.

According to DAILY POST, the police arrested six of the protesting Ugondu youths for hurling objects at the governor’s convoy.

Governor Alia had visited Vaatia College to assess the preparations for the burial of the deceased proprietor, Engr. Vaatia, who passed away a few days ago and was scheduled to be buried within the school premises on Thursday.

The enraged youths from Ugondu reportedly invaded the school and vandalized the grave. They were observed chanting war songs in large numbers while the governor addressed community leaders in the school.

Sources mentioned that the youths disrupted the proceedings as security escorts attempted to block their access to the school. Some of the governor’s entourage were reportedly stranded outside.

Reports suggest that the irate youths fired gunshots into the air in an attempt to intimidate people but were subdued with the arrival of the police special unit, Operation Zenda, resulting in several arrests.

Governor Alia, addressing leaders of Ugondu community, including former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, Ter Makurdi, and other traditional rulers, cautioned against actions that could lead to chaos and disunity in the state.

He emphasized his commitment to unity and recounted initiatives to provide training opportunities overseas for individuals from various tribes without discrimination. The governor warned community leaders that if implicated by arrested youths, they would be held accountable.

Governor Alia later reassured students on campus of their safety during and after the burial. He directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure peace during the wake-keep and burial scheduled for Thursday.

As of the latest report, reconstruction of the damaged grave by the angered Ugondu youths was underway ahead of the deceased proprietor’s interment on Thursday.