A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi has ordered the remand of 98 people in a correctional centre following their involvement in violent protests that erupted in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The protests, which occurred on July 3, 2024, were triggered by the killing of at least 11 people by armed bandits on the Sankera axis, comprising Ukum, Kastina-Ala, and Logo local government areas.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Catherine Anene, the demonstrations escalated into violence, resulting in extensive damage to government and private properties when security forces attempted to intervene.
Chief Magistrate Kelvin Mbanongon presided over the arraignment of 99 accused persons, who faced charges including criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, culpable homicide, theft, armed robbery, and acts of terrorism. One of the accused was however granted bail.
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The First Information Report (FIR) detailed that Ukum Local Government Caretaker Chairman Victor Iorzaa reported armed bandit attacks in Boikyo ward, Ayati, where six people were killed on July 3, 2024, at approximately12:30 am. Subsequently, violent protesters reportedly numbering in the thousands proceeded to burn down numerous public and private properties, including the Ukum LG Secretariat, schools, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) office, courts, Civil Defence office, banks, hotels, parks, residential buildings, INEC area office, BIRS office, police station, NUT office, and LG guest house, causing damage amounting to millions of naira.
Defence counsels, including Tavershima Kusa Esq, E.T. Iyorkaa, M.A. Uyina, H.A. Abuul, I.G. Akange, M.S. Kwaghtse, S.T. Sorkwu, and Robert Esq., did not oppose the application for an extension of time to complete investigations. They also made an oral application for bail on behalf of Vivian Jacob, a nursing mother.
In ruling on the bail application, the Chief Magistrate granted bail to Vivian Jacob in the sum of N500,000 with a surety who must be a civil servant possessing two passports. The remaining accused individuals were ordered to be remanded in the Makurdi correctional centre.
The case has been adjourned until August 21, 2024, for further proceedings.
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