The Benue State Government has dismissed claims by Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Bemgba Iortyom that he was attacked by hoodlums in Makurdi.
The government described the allegation as lacking credibility and accused the PDP figure of attempting to discredit the state administration.
The allegation emerged after Iortyom reportedly claimed that he was attacked by armed individuals in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The incident generated political reactions within the state, prompting a response from the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Benue State has remained politically active with regular exchanges between members of the ruling administration and opposition figures.
Statements relating to security incidents often attract attention because of the broader security concerns affecting communities in parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula, rejected the account of the alleged attack.
He said the narrative presented by Iortyom appeared to be a “fictional narrative” and questioned its credibility.
Kula stated that the allegation seemed to be an attempt to attract attention and tarnish the image of the governor. He also criticised the PDP chieftain for linking the alleged incident to the state government.
According to the statement, the government questioned how Iortyom reportedly escaped from five attackers allegedly armed with axes without sustaining injuries.
The governor’s aide described the account as stretching the limits of logic.
Kula further alleged that the PDP chieftain had previously attempted to join the current administration but was unsuccessful.
He claimed that the attack story was being used to draw political attention and create negative perceptions about security in the state.
Despite dismissing the claim, the Benue State Government called on security agencies to investigate the matter and publicly release their findings.
Earlier, Iortyom had claimed that five men on motorcycles attacked him along George Akume Way in Makurdi and that his vehicle was set on fire after he escaped. He also alleged that the attack was politically motivated.
The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between the Benue State Government and opposition figures.
Allegations of attacks on political actors can raise concerns about security and political rivalry within the state.
Investigations by security agencies may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and address public concerns about safety and political conduct.
