Benue Governor and Lawmaker in Dispute Over Seized Palliative for IDPs
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Terseer Ugbor, the House of Representatives member for Kwande/Ushongo constituency, are clashing over the recent seizure of aid meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kwande.
Governor Alia stated that the palliatives were confiscated due to concerns about potential misappropriation after they were found being unloaded at a private residence in Makurdi, rather than being delivered directly to Kwande LGA as intended. The aid, which included essential supplies such as rice, garri, mattresses, and mosquito nets, was being transported in two trucks facilitated by Ugbor’s office and approved by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). On September 11, 2024, state officials intercepted the trucks on the governor’s orders, and the items were moved to the Government House in Makurdi.
In response, Ugbor has threatened legal action if the aid is not released by September 17, citing ongoing costs due to the trucks’ detention. He insists that all proper procedures with NEMA were followed and explained that Makurdi was chosen as a temporary storage location because Kwande lacks a suitable warehouse.
Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, emphasized that the seizure was aimed at ensuring transparency and proper distribution through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). He called on Ugbor to clarify why the palliatives were being offloaded at a private residence in Makurdi rather than being sent directly to Kwande. Alia also noted that similar aid was being distributed to IDPs in Kwande on the same day.
