An automobile shop in Makurdi, owned by former Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has been raided by the state government.
The former governor has been accused of looting vehicles numbering up to 29 by the state government.
The news of the raid was made known by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press, Kula Tersoo.
Kula said:
“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.”