Hon. Barr. Aida Nath Ogwuche, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, has strongly condemned the reported arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention of innocent Idoma youths and traditional leaders by security agencies in Benue State, describing the development as disturbing, unlawful, and inconsistent with the principles of justice and due process.
Hon. Ogwuche began by expressing her heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Ador, Chairman of the Benue chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), whose tragic killing has heightened tensions in parts of the state.
“The death of the Benue MACBAN Chairman is a painful tragedy that deserves the strongest condemnation. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. I pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly identified and brought to justice,” she said.
While acknowledging the responsibility of security agencies to investigate criminal activities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, Hon. Ogwuche stressed that such investigations must be conducted strictly within the confines of the law and without trampling on the constitutional rights of innocent citizens.
She expressed grave concern over reports that no fewer than sixteen persons, including several teenagers and an 80-year-old man, were arrested during what has been described as random street raids in Otukpo following an incident that occurred in Ohimini Local Government Area. According to available information, security operatives reportedly searched the homes of those arrested but found nothing incriminating linking them to the crime under investigation.
Among those reportedly in detention are Sunday Oseni (21), Owoicho Ameh (18), Peter John (22), Adem James (20), Daniel Raphael (23), and Emmanuel Anebi (17), alongside several others, bringing the total number of detainees to sixteen.
Hon. Ogwuche described as particularly heartbreaking the reported detention of Mr. Ajeyibi Sylvester, an 80-year-old man who is said to be in critical health while in custody.
“No society that upholds justice and respects human dignity should subject an elderly citizen of over 80 years to prolonged detention where no court has pronounced him guilty of any offence. Such reports are deeply troubling and deserve immediate attention,” she stated.
She also lamented reports that some of the detained youths are candidates currently participating in the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations but have already missed several examination papers because of their continued detention.
“If these reports are accurate, then the damage extends far beyond their loss of liberty. Their education, aspirations and future are being unfairly jeopardized. Innocent young people should not be made to pay such a heavy price for offences they have not been proven to have committed,” she added.
Hon. Ogwuche further expressed concern over reports that some traditional rulers invited to the Benue State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Makurdi were subsequently detained for over twelve days without being formally charged before any court.
She emphasized that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of intimidation or collective punishment, insisting that every Nigerian is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the protection of the law.
As part of efforts to ensure justice is served, Hon. Ogwuche disclosed that she has mandated Barr. Idoko Dino Godwin, who has been on ground in Makurdi, to take every lawful step necessary to secure justice for those unlawfully detained.
“I will continue to stand with every innocent citizen whose rights have been violated. I remain committed to ensuring that justice is done and that every innocent person in detention regains their freedom and is reunited with their families,” she affirmed.
She therefore called on the Benue State Government, the Commissioner of Police, and all relevant security authorities to urgently review the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention of the affected persons.
“If there is credible evidence against any suspect, such a person should immediately be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction. Where no such evidence exists, the detainees should be released without further delay. The rule of law must prevail, and arbitrary detention has no place in a democratic society.”
Hon. Ogwuche concluded by reminding all authorities that justice delayed is justice denied, urging every stakeholder to act with fairness, restraint, and unwavering respect for the Constitution in the interest of peace, justice, and public confidence in the nation’s institutions.
