By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused appointees of Governor Hyacinth Alia and local council chairmen of tyranny in the banning of holding thanksgiving services in worship places and peaceful gatherings.
The PDP said the ban infringes on citizens’ rights to worship and free assembly, reflecting a troubling trend under the current administration that could lead to lawlessness.
In a statement on Monday, the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, cited recent incidents, including the disruption of a thanksgiving service in honour of Senator Titus Zam at the NKST Church in Naka, Gwer West, by the local council chairman, Hon. Victor Torsaa Ormim.
Nyor called the interference a “violation of citizens’ rights to worship,” noting it as one of several such instances across Benue since the current administration took office.
The statement recalled an incident on May 12, 2024, where the former caretaker chairman of Konshisha LGA, Mr. Philip Achua, allegedly led a group of thugs to disrupt a thanksgiving mass honouring Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, a member of the House of Representatives, at the Annunciation Catholic Rectory in Konshisha.
The attack was reportedly sanctioned by Achua and the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Mr. Aondowase Kunde.
The PDP outlined other occurrences, including attempts by ex-caretaker chairman of Guma LGA, Unongo Simon, to halt a church service and fundraising event on June 30, 2024, at NKST Daudu. The event was meant to honour former governor and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Similarly, on July 26, 2024, a service scheduled at NKST Ihugh, in Vandeikya, was cancelled under orders from then-caretaker chairman, Mr. Dennis Guda, who objected to the participation of Senator Emmanuel Udende as a guest.
The PDP urged an end to these actions, emphasising Benue citizens’ right to celebrate their achievements and give thanks without governmental interference. The party called on residents to stand united in resisting any authoritarian tendencies, safeguarding democracy and individual rights.
National Record however recalled that the ban on political gatherings in Benue state was imposed by Governor Hyacinth Alia over a year ago and has remained in force up to date.
In response, a group known as the Benue APC Unified Media Team (BAUMET) defended Hon. Victor Torsar Ormin, the council chairman of Gwer West, on Facebook.
The group argued that his decision to enforce a ban on gatherings in Naka was in response to recent attacks by suspected herders along the Makurdi-Naka road. BAUMET further noted that the state government’s prohibition on political gatherings, imposed over a year ago by Governor Alia, remains in effect.
According to BAUMET, Ormin addressed local protesters on November 8, 2024, alongside traditional chiefs, issuing orders to prohibit large celebrations in respect for families affected by the violence. Coincidentally, Senator Zam’s thanksgiving and reception event at NKST Naka was scheduled for November 10, 2024, the day after Ormin’s directive.
On the day of the thanksgiving, BAUMET reported that Ormin intervened to prevent disruptions by youth at the church, asking them to respect the religious setting. He then reminded the community that his ban on gatherings was still in place and requested Senator Zam’s entourage to forego the planned reception as a show of respect for those grieving recent losses.
“Thanks to the Executive Chairman’s swift intervention, no violence occurred, and the community carried on peacefully,” BAUMET’s statement concluded. “The ban on elaborate celebrations in Naka remains in force.”
