Controversy Monday erupted in Benue state over the seizure of palliatives meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA).
Governor Hyacinth Alia ordered the seizure after discovering that the materials were allegedly diverted to a private residence in Makurdi.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the palliatives were collected from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) by representative Terseer Ugbor but were not taken directly to Kwande.
He said instead, they were offloaded in Makurdi without registration at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
He said the governor in view has demanded an explanation from Ugbor and called for an investigation on the issue.
However, Ugbor while reacting debunked any diversion of materials, stating that the decision to offload in Makurdi was made in agreement with NEMA.
Ugbor maintained that his office had submitted details of the palliatives to the Department of State Services (DSS), police, and state government officials.
He noted that the materials are federal government palliatives, and no law requires him to inform SEMA or the state government before bringing them into Benue.
Ugbor named the relief materials to include 578 bags of rice, 578 bags of garri, 578 mosquito nets, 578 mattresses, 578 pieces of wax print, 58 cartons of vegetable oil, 58 cartons of seasoning cubes and 58 cartons of tomato paste
He expressed commitment to his constituents and called for a swift resolution to ensure the materials reach the IDPs.
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