[TRENDING VIDEO] Benue gov’s aide distributes rice, N2,000 to youths in Otukpo, warns against opposition campaigns
A political controversy has erupted in Benue State after the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth Mobilisation, Terver Gbenda, was reportedly seen sharing food itAlia’s aideems and cash to youths in Otukpo.
A video making the rounds on social media showed youths receiving 10kg bags of rice alongside N2,000 each during the gathering.
The exercise, however, has attracted attention beyond the distribution of the items, following remarks allegedly made by the governor’s aide during the event.
Gbenda was reportedly mobilising the youths to support the Alia administration and warning against opposition politicians entering the area to campaign against the governor.
He was heard urging the youths to challenge any politician who comes to Otukpo to campaign against Alia, prompting concerns over the possible use of youths in political confrontations.
The remarks have since generated reactions among political and youth groups in the state, with critics arguing that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence or intimidation.
A youth organisation in Benue South reportedly demanded an explanation and apology from the governor’s aide, describing the comments as inappropriate and capable of heightening political tension in the area.
The Peoples Democratic Party in the state also reportedly called on relevant authorities to investigate the comments and determine whether they amounted to a threat against opposition parties.
The incident comes as political activities gradually intensify in Benue ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and political actors expected to begin strengthening their structures across the state.
Neither Gbenda nor the Benue State Government had, at the time of filing this report, issued a detailed public response to the controversy surrounding the video.
