Benue Government Raids Former Governor Ortom’s Automobile Shop, Seize Vehicles

Samuel Ortom

The government of Benue state has raided an automobile shop in Makurdi, owned by the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom.

Governor Hyacinth Alia's Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, had said that government vehicles numbering 29 were allegedly looted by the former governor.

Kula had said in a statement;

“The case of the government house is particularly pitiable with vandalised furniture, window blinds, electronics and other household appliances.

“This is besides the carting away of all vehicles including an ambulance and press crew bus attached to the office of the governor. At the last count, 29 vehicles attached to the governor’s office are still no where to be found.”

The vehicles which were seized during the raid carried out by the Asset Recovery Committee set up by Governor Hyacinth Alia, were towed as attempts to drive them away failed.

Reacting to the development, Benue state's PDP Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom described it as “a shameful showing of naked tyranny and impunity.”

The statement read;

“Earlier today, thugs accompanied by security agents purporting to be on an assets recovery mission, raided a private automobile workshop owned by the former governor’s business concern, Oracle Nig. Ltd., carting away motor vehicles at the premises of the workshop.

“Staff of the workshop have confirmed to PDP that the vehicles, of a yet to be ascertained number, were those brought there for repairs by private owners and are not in any wise from any public source.

“PDP notes that this is yet another manifestation of disregard for the rule of law by the Benue State Governor, considering there is a subsisting court order barring his government from tampering with the assets of the former governor, specifically motor vehicles.”