Pensioners protest in Benue, seek arrears in instalments

Hundreds of pensioners in Benue State Wednesday took to the streets to protest their unpaid pensions and gratuities owed by the state government.

The pensioners marched from Titogate to the government house roundabout and stopped at Kenville Park in High Level Area of Makurdi.

• PODCAST: Why Anambra politicians have gone into hiding
• IPOB killings: FG mulls state of emergency in Anambra

Their spokesman, Akosu Orban, told newsmen that many of them had died due to non-payment of their entitlements.

He lamented that several of them were still dying on a daily basis due to the feeling of neglect, rejection and dejection, adding that they were having a difficult time.

“Our children are no longer in school because we cannot afford to pay their fees. We have lost our wives to okada riders because we are no longer productive to cater for them.

“Many are dying as they are on special drugs and diets, and cannot afford those drugs and diets.

“The governor is always referring to us as ‘dead people. The last time we went to the government house, we were insulted.

“The speaker once told us that the bailout given to the state by the federal government did not capture pensioners.

“All we are demanding for now is for government to pay us instalments of six months to stabilise us and then pay two months every month until the backlog is cleared,” he said.