Armed Men Raid Benue Tribunal

George Okoh

The Benue State High Court premises which houses the two National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunals in Makurdi was yesterday raided by men suspected to be political party thugs who ransacked the tribunals, and carring away valuables, including a 60 KVA Marapco power generator.

According to a source who is a judicial staff, the gang gained entrance into the complex at about 4a.m., after taking the security guard on duty hostage and beating him to a pulp.

“They gained entrance into the premises after mercilessly beating up the security man on duty and tying him up with a rope. He is currently recuperating in a public hospital in town.

“We heard that the about 25 armed men who disguised themselves in Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) uniforms stormed the complex in a Hilux van at about 4a.m.

“They were said to be asking the security man for files and afterwards broke into the offices and the registry of court two and other selected offices and ransacked the entire premises after which they fled in the van, carting away the 60 KVA Marapco power generator.

“Though for now we cannot ascertain what the gang took from the offices, we are still taking inventory of our property,” the source said.

When contacted, the tribunal secretary, Mr. Surajo Gusau, who dispelled the fear of litigants of the safety of exhibits in possession of the tribunals, said all the documents in the custody of the tribunal were intact and untampered with.

No official of the High Court, including the Chief Registrar obliged information on the matter.

The Benue State acting Police Public Relations Officer, Matthew Oku Austin Ezeani, who confirmed the development, said the matter was being investigated.