Suspected political thugs attacked the newly appointed media consultant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State, Bemgba Iortyom, on Friday night in Makurdi, the state capital. The attack happened on George Akume Way, barely one day after the party announced his appointment.
The appointment had earlier been made public by the Benue PDP Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, through a statement released to journalists in Makurdi. Less than 24 hours later, Iortyom was confronted by unknown attackers while he was driving along the road in the city.
According to Iortyom’s account given to journalists on Saturday, the incident occurred when he slowed down to park his vehicle so he could make a phone call. At that moment, about five men riding on two motorcycles blocked his vehicle. The attackers were armed with small axes and quickly moved toward him.
He managed to escape from the car before the situation became worse. After leaving the vehicle, the attackers poured fuel on the car, a Peugeot 406 saloon, and set it on fire. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the flames.
Iortyom said the attackers left the scene immediately after carrying out the act. They rode away on their motorcycles while people nearby watched the incident. Those around reportedly urged him to run to safety as the event happened quickly and without warning.
Following the attack, Iortyom reported the matter to the police for investigation. The case has since been handed over to law enforcement authorities.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the matter had been reported. She stated that the police would carry out an investigation into the incident since the victim had formally lodged a complaint.
The attack has drawn attention because it occurred shortly after Iortyom’s appointment as the media consultant for the Benue PDP, raising concern about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police authorities are expected to look into the case to determine those responsible for the attack and the burning of the vehicle.