On Friday, the simmering crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) once again came to the forefront as security forces barricaded the party secretariat in Makurdi to prevent a potential clash between the two factions in the state.
Reports indicate that security intervention was necessary when the Agada faction, headed by the SGF Sen. George Akume, tried to convene a meeting at the secretariat.
This marks the second instance within a month where anti-riot police have taken control of the Austin Agade-led APC Secretariat in Makurdi, Benue State.
It is worth noting that there are two separate APC secretariats in Makurdi, each under the control of the factions led by Agada and Benjamin Omakolo.
The Agada-led State Working Committee (SWC) had scheduled the inauguration of the zoning committee members for the upcoming council elections at the Secretariat on Friday.
By 6 am, anti-riot police had already deployed their vehicles, blocking all routes leading to the Secretariat.
At the time of reporting, the situation was chaotic, with Okada riders, purportedly loyal to the Benjamin Omakolo-led APC SWC and aligned with Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, dominating the area.
It’s important to note that Governor Alia had previously prohibited all political events and public assemblies in Benue State.