Ezza Ezekuna Community in Benue Petitions Assembly, Accuses Council Chairman of Running Illegal Detention Cell …Allegations are pure blackmail to tarnish my image – Chairman

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Ezza Ezekuna community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State has petitioned state authorities, alleging that the council chairman, Mr. Sunday Oche, operates an illegal detention cell through his loyalists.

The petition, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs.

Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi, the Deputy Speaker confirmed receiving the petition and said she had already presented it before the House. According to her, the petitioners alleged that groups loyal to the chairman move from one Ezza Ezekuna community to another, arresting innocent residents, taking them to a forest hideout, and demanding ransoms of over ₦200,000 per victim.

“They alleged that the victims are kept in cells located in the forest, tortured, and many sustain deep machete cuts,” she said. “One woman, Mrs. Chinyere Ukoro, was detained, tortured, and raped repeatedly—even during her menstrual cycle. Another victim was reportedly beaten to death in the presence of some chiefs and buried in a shallow grave. Following public outrage, Mrs. Ukoro and several others were released.”

Mrs. Ogenyi said she had presented a motion on the House floor calling for the suspension of the chairman over the alleged human rights abuses and financial misconduct. The motion recommended:

Suspension of Hon. Sunday Oche and his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Jane Ikese, for six months to allow for unhindered investigation.

Setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate both officials, with possible impeachment if found guilty.

Appointment of the Leader of the Ado Local Government Legislative Council to act during the suspension period.

Immediate suspension of payments to private accounts, with all transactions routed through the LG’s official UBA account.

Re-arrest and prosecution of all suspects allegedly released on the chairman’s orders.

One of the victims, Mrs. Angela Eze, narrated that her husband was abducted by three men, and when she sought answers from the community chief, she was dismissed. The next day, she found her husband’s body buried in a shallow grave. When she raised the alarm, the Ezza Ezekuna Benue Development Association allegedly threatened her to remain silent or face the same fate.

Meanwhile, Council Chairman Engr. Sunday Oche has denied the allegations, describing them as “pure blackmail” aimed at discrediting his administration. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Oche insisted no such detention cell exists in his local government.

He confirmed that a petition had been sent to the IGP and DSS and forwarded to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 4, Makurdi, for investigation, during which some chiefs were arrested but later released. He also stated that the State Assembly’s committee, which invited him over the matter and on financial impropriety allegations, found no wrongdoing on his part.

“I call for peace,” Oche said. “I have nothing against anyone. Let us work together to build Ado Local Government and Benue State. I urge everyone to sheath their swords so we can move forward.”