Benue Governor’s Committee Raids Samuel Ortom’s Auto Shop

An asset recovery committee appointed by the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has carried out a surprise raid on an automobile shop owned by a former Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom on Tuesday.

The shop is situated in Makurdi, the state capital.

The operation saw the seizure of multiple vehicles. The committee reportedly used towing vans to remove some of the vehicles after attempts to drive them away were unsuccessful.

In response to this action, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue has levelled accusations of political persecution at Governor Alia.

The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, described the committee’s actions as “a shameful display of naked tyranny and impunity.”

Iortyom said, “Earlier today, thugs accompanied by security agents purporting to be on an assets recovery mission, raided a private automobile workshop owned by the former governor’s business concern, Oracle Nig. Ltd., carting away motor vehicles at the premises of the workshop.

“Staff of the workshop have confirmed to PDP that the vehicles, of a yet-to-be-ascertained number, were those brought there for repairs by private owners and are not in any wise from any public source.

“PDP notes that this is yet another manifestation of disregard for the rule of law by the Benue State Governor, considering there is a subsisting court order barring his government from tampering with the assets of the former governor, specifically motor vehicles.”

The governor had through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said government vehicles numbering 29 were looted by the former governor.

Kula had in a statement posited that “the case of the government house is particularly pitiable with vandalised furniture, window blinds, electronics and other household appliances.

“This is besides the carting away of all vehicles including an ambulance and press crew bus attached to the office of the governor. At the last count, 29 vehicles attached to the governor’s office are still no where to be found.”