…As Residents Shun Demonstration In Benue
Attah Ede, Makurdi
Many residents in Benue State especially in Makurdi, the State capital, shunned the hunger protests that is currently on going in many parts of the country.
The residents went about their daily activities on Thursday without any sign of the protest in any part of the State.
There was no protests in the state capital, Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo areas of the State, and commercial activities went on smoothly and unhindered.
A visit to the Highlevel area of the Makurdi showed that the market was open for businesses
However, a contingent of policemen, soldiers and civil defence personnel in uniforms keenly monitoring activities.
A military vehicle conveying soldiers on patrol could also be seen along the Old Otukpo Road, stationed directly opposite the commissioners quarters.
There was Soldiers presence at Kanshio junction where they mounted a lorry round the area.
There was heavy presence of security personnel comprising DSS, Police and NSCDC at the Modern Market Gate.
Thousands of traders were seen surrounded the areas but the main entrance into the market was under lock and key.
Some fuel stations were seen selling products to commuters and Okada operators, where commercial banks also opened for businesses.
A resident who identified himself simply as Terdoo Ivere said the youths in the State refused to participate in the protest following the pleads by the State governor and other stakeholders including the secretary to the government of the federation.
She explained that Governor Hyacinth Alia had proactively engaged stakeholders in Benue comprising youths, monarchs, artisan groups, road transport unions, market women, and others on need to shelves the protests.
Another resident, Kenneth Ameh said there no need for the protests because it will not change the situation in the State or country.
According to him, the Alia administration is doing well, hence his developmental strides in the areas of roads constructions, prompt payment of salary and pensions.
He explained that Governor Alia has subsidised fertilizers and provided agricultural inputs to farmers to boost food sufficiency in the State.
Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner of Police Benue State command, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, said every Nigerian has the right to protest while the security personnel have a duty to protect lives and property.
He explained once the protesters give the police their location, they have the right to be protected and ensure it is peaceful.
“This is why we have come out with other Security agencies, the army, DSS, correctional services, Road Safety, Federal Fire Service, Immigration, Civil Defence, NDLEA, NAPTIP, we have gone round the town in a show of force to ensure that no one is harassed or molested.
“So far, so good everybody is going about their lawful business. There is no protest in Benue State. We have done a lot of engagement myself and the Director DSS and other security agencies with NLC, NANS, Traders, Tricycle, Okada, NURTW, market women and even the traditional rulers, the two paramount rulers Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma have spoken that they will not be part of any protest and their people will not be part of any protest.
” I think at the level of the State government, they have done some engagement at the expanded security
council meeting and the government of Benue State said they will not be part of any protest.
“All the reports we have received from Otukpo, Gboko and Katsina-Ala shows that all is calm. We have marshaled enough officers, there are people on stand by, we have kept them somewhere.
All the strategic places including prison yards, correctional center, all the people and places that need to be protected, are been protected .
” The show of force is to give people confidence that they are secured and can come out and do their business. The town is safe and people can go about their lawful business without fear of intimidation or molestation by anybody”, Yabanet reiterated.
