Breaking: Armed bandits Crash Benue ADC Primary election
MAKURDI Afrik24 — A wave of violence has thrown the Benue State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into severe turmoil following a clash during the party’s primary election on Friday.
What was intended to be a democratic exercise to select the party’s flagbearer descended into chaos, leaving several party faithful injured and properties destroyed.
Escalation at the Congress Ground
According to eyewitness accounts, the crisis erupted at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi shortly after accreditation began.
Tensions, which had been brewing between rival factions over the authentic delegates list, boiled over into open confrontation.
The situation deteriorated rapidly when suspected thugs armed with dangerous weapons invaded the venue, disrupting the queue, smashing ballot boxes, and attacking delegates.
“Everything was going smoothly until arguments broke out over a parallel list of delegates from certain local governments.
Before we knew it, armed youths stormed the perimeter. People had to run for their lives,” said Terver Joshua, a delegate who witnessed the incident.
Casualties and Institutional Response
Local emergency services and security personnel rushed to the scene to restore order.
At least six people sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
The Benue State Police Command has since deployed a heavy detachment of anti-riot officers to seal off the party secretariat to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
A senior police spokesperson confirmed that the venue has been secured and calm has been restored.
While multiple injuries are confirmed, no fatalities have been reported at this time.
An official investigation has been launched, and three suspects have already been taken into custody for questioning.
A Party Divided
The ADC leadership in Benue State has long been split into two fierce factions, each claiming legitimacy and backing different aspirants.
Today’s violent outbreak highlights the deep-seated animosities that have plagued the party’s internal democracy in the state.
National leadership of the ADC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the cancellation or rescheduling of the Benue primaries.
Meanwhile, heavy security presence remains visible across key entry points of the state capital to deter retaliatory attacks.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.
