PDP CHIEFTAIN ESCAPES DEATH AS HOODLUMS BURN HIS CAR IN MAKURDI

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By: Fasasi Hammad

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, narrowly escaped death on Friday night after suspected hoodlums attacked him and set his vehicle on fire in Makurdi, the state capital.

The incident occurred just hours after Iortyom announced his appointment as Consultant on Media and Public Communications to the PDP in the state.

Iortyom, who previously served two terms as the party’s State Publicity Secretary, had earlier called on party stakeholders to support him in his new role, describing it as part of efforts to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“The state must be rescued from certain collapse and destruction at the hands of a governor who assumed the steering wheel of leadership without even a learner’s permit, let alone a driver’s licence to safely steer the affairs of the state,” he said in the statement announcing his appointment.

“This is the responsibility I have accepted to contribute to in my capacity as Consultant to the PDP on Media and Public Communications,” he added.

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Recounting the incident, Iortyom said the attack took place along George Akume Way in the centre of Makurdi while he was attempting to pull off the road to make a phone call.

“I was attacked by unknown persons at about 8 p.m. and although I managed to escape, my car, a Peugeot 406 saloon, was set on fire and completely burnt,” he said.

According to him, about five attackers arrived on two motorcycles and blocked his path as he was about to park. Armed with short axes, they allegedly descended on him.

“I thank God Almighty for the quick thinking that enabled me to immediately open the door of my car and run away before the hoodlums poured fuel on the vehicle and set it ablaze.

“They later mounted their motorcycles and fled. My shouts and calls for help attracted onlookers who could only urge me to run to safety,” he added.

Iortyom said he had reported the incident to the “E Division” of the State Police Command, where investigations were ongoing. He alleged that the attack reflects the growing political tension in the state.

“Security agencies whose allegiance is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and not to any individual or group, must rise to their responsibility and ensure the safety of citizens before people are pushed to resort to self-help and a descent into lawlessness,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.