A group known as Defenders of Democracy (DoD) has accused the Benue State Government of abandoning the people of Udei in Guma local government while the military enforces its sit-at-home order in the area.
In the last couple of days, there have been reports that soldiers from Benue and Nasarawa states have shut down schools, churches and other activities in Udei. The height of the situation is that the military have issued a sit-at-home order and no one dares go out of their homes.
Sources say the military siege on Udei is also causing acute hunger as the people are prevented from going to their farms and even streams to fetch water for survival.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator in Benue State, Comrade Amos Achiv, DoD condemns the silence of the Benue State government over the situation and calls on Governor Hyacinth Alia not to forget that the lives of Udei people also matter.
It described the state government’s inaction regarding the Udei incident as shocking and unfortunate, wondering why a part of the state would be abandoned in the face of what it calls ‘military invasion’ of the area.
The group equally took a swipe at the Senator representing Benue Zone B, Titus Zam and the member representing Makurdi/Guma federal constituency, Dickson Tarkighir for abandoning the people who voted massively for them during the last election.
DoD said the security of lives ought to be the priority of the government and challenged the Benue state government and the Assembly members to live up to their promise to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
Meanwhile, some social media activists have taken to their handles to condemn the happenings in Udei and called for action on the part of government. One of them, Andy Nomsoor also condemned the silence of the state government and Assembly members representing the people of the area.
“Those close to Alia, Dickson and Zam should kindly draw to their attention that all is not well with Udei community that voted massively for them. Let them visit this land the same way they did during the electioneering campaign and rekindle the hopes of the people of the community that they never made a mistake by entrusting them with their votes. Let them interact with their guests who are protecting and safeguarding the lives of their constituents and know what is the real issue that has called for the sit-at-home order.”
Another activist, MC Zege wrote,
“Our people have been held seize by Operation Whirl Stroke at Udei, Nyiev, Guma LG for 3 days but the government is silent”.
At the time of this report, no action had been taken or even a pronouncement made by the Benue state government as the people of Udei remained indoors in their community.
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