“Benue Governor and Lawmaker Spar Over Seized Palliatives – Tensions Rise!”

Babatunji Wusu –

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and Terseer Ugbor, the House of Representatives member for Kwande/Ushongo constituency, are in a heated dispute over the recent confiscation of aid intended for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kwande.

On September 11, 2024, state officials intercepted two trucks carrying palliatives—facilitated by Ugbor’s office and approved by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)—as they were being offloaded at a private residence in Makurdi instead of being delivered directly to Kwande LGA, their intended destination. The items were subsequently transported to the Government House in Makurdi.

Governor Alia explained that the palliatives were seized due to concerns about possible diversion. According to Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the action was taken to ensure transparency and proper distribution, as all aid for vulnerable groups must go through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Alia urged Ugbor to clarify why the materials were being offloaded in Makurdi rather than heading straight to Kwande, especially since the state government was already distributing similar palliatives to IDPs in Kwande on the same day.

In response, Ugbor has threatened legal action if the palliatives are not released by September 17. He argues that all proper procedures were followed with NEMA and that Makurdi was chosen as a temporary storage location due to the lack of a warehouse in Kwande. Ugbor has expressed frustration, citing ongoing costs related to the truck’s detention and emphasizing that the palliatives, which include essential supplies like rice, garri, mattresses, and mosquito nets, were intended to assist those in need.

The situation remains tense, with Ugbor demanding the release of the palliatives and Alia insisting on proper oversight to prevent any mismanagement of aid.