… Accuses Council Boss Of Sponsorship
…. Allegation Unfounded, A Smear Campaign Against My Administration- Chairman
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Deputy Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm over illegal detention centres across her Constituency, Ado local government area of the State.
Mrs. Ogenyi who raised the alarm at a press conference in Makurdi, accused the Ado council chairman, Engr. Sunday Oche of being behind the operation of the illegal cells, whom she said were allegedly used by his political supporters under the guise of Ezza Ezekuna Patriotic Front.
The Deputy Speaker alleged that the group has been going from one Ezza-Ezekuna community to the other arresting innocent members of the communities illegally and collecting ransom of over N200,000 per victim.
She said further that the victims are usually be taken to a hideout in a forest where the cells are located, tortured with most of them sustaining several matchete cuts on their bodies.
Said she, “One of the victims Mrs Chinyere Ukoro was detained, tortured and raped serially. Even during her menstrual cycle, they were raping her.
“Another victim was captured, beaten to death in the presence of some chiefs and buried in a swallow grave and following serious public outcry, Mrs Ukoro was released alongside several victims.
“I received lot of petitions from my Constituents addressed to Department of State Security, DSS and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP.
” I also, raised a motion on the floor of the House calling for the suspension of the chairman and that an investigation should be carried out on the issue as well as financial mismanagement.
“Part of the motion entitled Motion calling the immediate suspension of the chairman of Ado local government council Hon Sunday Oche from Office for 6 months for using his office to perpetuate criminal in the area
” That the House recommends the immediate suspension of Hon Sunday Oche and his Deputy, Hon. Mrs. Jane Ikese from office for six months to allow for investigation without any interference.
“That the House set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the activities of the Chairman and his Deputy and if found wanting they should be recommended for impeachment by the Local Government Legislative Council (Councillors),
“That within the period of their suspension, the Leader of Ado Local government Legislative Council should take over the affairs of the LGC in acting capacity.
“That all the network providers be directed to stop further payments to any private bank account other than the Local Government bank account with UBA branch in Igumale. They should also be ready to provide evidence of any previous payments to any bank accounts.
“That the police in Ado Division should immediately re-arrest those already released on the orders of Hon Sunday Oche (Chairman Ado LGA), for immediate arraignment in Court for criminal charges”, she stated.
One of the victims Mrs Angela Eze while narrating her ordeal in the hands of her captors, said, on the fateful day, a group of three persons storm their house, abducted her husband and took him to an indisposed destination.
A splinter group of the Ezza Ezekuma Patriotic Front have decried the high rate of insecurity in their community.
The said the situation has overwhelmed the council Chairman hence, the incessant kidnapping, raping and maiming of innocent persons especially women and children.
They have therefore called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to take steps to forestall further breakdown of law and order in community.
Meanwhile, the Council Chairman, Engr. Sunday Oche has outrightly denied the allegation, describing it as false.
He said the allegations were aimed at discrediting and tarnishing his administration and person.
The Chairman who spoke to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday dismissed the allegation, saying m there was no such group or any detention cells in his council.
Oche who confirmed that a group of people in Ezza had petitioned the IG and DSS said that the petition was forwarded to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 4, Makurdi.
“Some chiefs were arrested in connection to the petition at Zone 4, Makurdi but after investigation they were released on Tuesday.
Oche also confirmed that the State Assembly invited him for investigation on the matter as well as on financial impropriety but did not find him wanting.
He further said that over 18 petitions had been written against him since his assumption of office October, 2024,
