Widespread condemnation has followed an alleged attempt by political thugs to disrupt a Thanksgiving service in honour of Senator Titus Zam at NKST Church in Naka, Benue State.
The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, sparked reactions across the state.
The service on Sunday was reportedly interrupted when a group of suspected thugs arrived between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., intending to disturb the event celebrating Zam, who represents Benue North West District.
However, members of the congregation resisted the intrusion, allowing the service to continue without further incident, according to Daniel Ihomun, the factional state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue.
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In a statement, Ihomun alleged that Victor Ormin, Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, had mobilised the thugs. Ihomun condemned the act, describing it as “an invitation to anarchy” and urging the state government to uphold citizens’ rights to worship freely.
He also called on security agencies to protect against such disturbances.
Reacting to the claims, Ormin stated that he would issue an official response, though none had been released at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Benue State Police spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, asserted that “there was no disruption anywhere,” adding that the service concluded peacefully.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue also voiced its concerns, with State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor condemning the incident as part of a recurring trend of interference with worship services under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. Nyor cited previous instances where similar Thanksgiving events faced disruptions by local officials allegedly acting under governmental orders.
In his statement, Nyor described the incidents as “a blatant violation of citizens’ rights to worship,” urging residents to oppose this “democratic despotism.”
The APC Caretaker Committee spokesperson, James Ornguga, had not responded to calls for comment at the time of reporting.
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