- Governor Alia seizes palliatives meant for IDPs in Kwande, citing concerns over possible diversion by Rep member Ugbor
- Ugbor threatens legal action if seized items are not released promptly, claims proper procedures were followed with NEMA
A dispute has erupted between Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and Terseer Ugbor, the House of Representatives member for Kwande/Ushongo constituency, over the recent seizure of palliatives meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kwande.
Governor Alia ordered the relief materials confiscated after they were found being offloaded at a private residence in Makurdi instead of being delivered to Kwande LGA as intended. The governor raised concerns over a possible diversion of the goods.
On September 11, 2024, two trucks loaded with palliatives, facilitated by Ugbor’s office and approved by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were intercepted by state officials following the governor’s instructions. The seized items were moved to the Government House in Makurdi.
Ugbor has expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, threatening legal action if the palliatives are not released promptly.
Governor Alia, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, clarified that the palliatives were meant for IDPs and vulnerable groups in Kwande/Ushongo. He stressed that the seizure aimed to ensure transparency and proper distribution, as all aid must go through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The governor also questioned why the palliatives were stored at a private residence in Makurdi instead of heading directly to Kwande. He pointed out that the state government distributed similar palliatives to IDPs in Kwande on the same day.
In response, Ugbor argued that all necessary procedures were followed with NEMA, and Makurdi was chosen for temporary storage due to the lack of a warehouse in Kwande. He warned that legal steps might be taken if the materials are not released by September 17, noting that truck detention costs were mounting.
The palliatives included essential items like rice, garri, mattresses, and mosquito nets.