An independent security network, Benue Defenders, has alleged a plot by some Abuja-based Benue politicians to import over 450 Cameroonian fighters from the Ambazonia Self-Defence Council to instigate insecurity and violence in Kwande and other parts of Benue State.
In a statement released today in Makurdi, the group claimed that more than $350,000 has been funneled from the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Federal Housing Authority, under the leadership of Pius Akutah and Mathias Byuan, to finance the alleged operation.
According to Benue Defenders, the plan is being orchestrated by a former State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, Mr. Dan-Morgan Ihomun, with the backing of the state’s three senators—Titus Zam, Emmanuel Udende, and Abba Moro.
The group further alleged that Mr. Terser Ugbor, the lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, along with Akutah and Byuan, are also involved in the scheme, acting under the directives of Senator George Akume.
Speaking through its Commandant, Mr. Victor Apine, the group urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to take urgent action, warning that the alleged foreign fighters are already en route to Kwande Local Government Area, where they are expected to launch attacks on innocent residents before extending their assault to other parts of the state.
The group claimed that the ultimate goal of the plan is to create chaos in Benue, thereby giving the state’s senators grounds to push for a declaration of a state of emergency.
Benue Defenders called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by restraining his federal appointees and the involved senators from furthering what they described as a “satanic project.”
They also urged security agencies to closely monitor the situation and take proactive measures to prevent the alleged incursion of foreign fighters into Benue State.
