BREAKING: ‘You can’t threaten us in our own land’ — Idoma youths dare Gbenda

The OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide has reacted to the recent outing of Hon. Terver Gbenda, Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Illegal Levies and Support Groups, in Otukpo, Benue South Senatorial District.

The youth group accused Gbenda of making what it described as reckless threats and provocative remarks against Idoma youths during his visit to Otukpo.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu, the group said it was “deeply pained” and disappointed by Gbenda’s conduct, insisting that Idoma youths could not be intimidated or threatened in their own land.

“How can a Governor’s aide leave his comfort zone in Makurdi, come to Otukpo, and indiscriminately warn and threaten Idoma youths, thinking he can force the entire Benue South to support Governor Hyacinth Alia?” the statement asked.

The group declared that “Zone C is not a conquered territory,” stressing that the people of Benue South would not be intimidated by anyone, regardless of political position.

The youth wing also criticised local government chairmen and some youths whom it accused of encouraging or supporting Gbenda during his outing in Otukpo.

It further demanded an unreserved public apology from Gbenda within three days, warning that failure to apologise would trigger what it described as political consequences.

According to the group, it would commence consultations with political actors opposed to Governor Alia, mobilise voters across Benue South and campaign on what it described as the administration’s neglect of the zone.

The group said it was already concerned about what it described as inadequate development in Benue South and that the controversy surrounding Gbenda’s outing had further heightened tensions.

It added that an elaborate press conference would be held to address the matter in greater detail.