Makurdi, Benue State – In a shocking turn of events, Governor Hyacinth Alia has detained 99 individuals from Zaki-Biam, including a nursing mother and a civil servant, for the past two weeks on terrorism charges. The detainees were brought to Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Makurdi today, July 16, 2024, under tight security.
Among those detained are two women, one of whom was arrested while returning from the market with her baby. The identity of the civil servant and the circumstances surrounding their arrest remain unclear.
This incident has sent shockwaves throughout Benue State, particularly in Sankera, where Governor Alia had previously visited and made promises to the community. The detention of their neighbors and friends on terrorism charges has sparked widespread disbelief and outrage.
The detainees’ fate remains uncertain as they await further investigation and a follow-up hearing scheduled for next week. The incident has raised questions about the governor’s actions and the due process of law in the state.