Nigerian Concord Newspaper
He executive chairman of Ado Local Government area of Benue State, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche has taken note of a widely circulated write-up containing serious allegations regarding recent security incidents in Utonkon and the purported handling of suspects.
Speaking in a press statement over the weekend, Engineer Oche said: “While we understand the pain, fear, and frustration expressed by concerned citizens, especially in light of recent attacks and kidnappings, we must firmly state that several claims in the said publication are inaccurate, misleading, and capable of inciting unnecessary tension within our communities.
The chairman pressed further that he does not have constitutional authority over the Nigeria Police or any federal security agency, noting that matters relating to arrest, detention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal suspects are exclusively handled by the Police and relevant security institutions.
The statement reads: “The case referenced, including the alleged abduction of worshippers in Utonkon, is already under the control and management of security agencies, who are solely responsible for identifying suspects, conducting investigations, and pursuing prosecution in accordance with the law.
“At no time has the Chairman withheld any list of suspects or shielded any individual involved in criminal activity. Such allegations are entirely unfounded and should be disregarded”
Oche said that as Chief Security Officer of the Local Government in a ceremonial and coordinating capacity, he has consistently supported security agencies through intelligence sharing, stakeholder engagement, and peace-building efforts across affected communities.
He further warned that: “We strongly caution against the spread of unverified information and narratives that may heighten ethnic tension, create panic, or undermine ongoing security operations.
In a related development, Engineer Oche has also condemned a series of grave and misleading allegations circulating in certain quarters, particularly concerning the selection of a Ward Head in Ukwonyo Community and purported threats to lives allegedly linked to the process.
A statement by the office of the chairman stated that “While the Chairman takes all matters relating to the safety and well-being of citizens with utmost seriousness, it is necessary to firmly rebut these unfounded claims and set the record straight in the interest of truth, peace, and public confidence”
The statement reads: “For clarity, while one of the major contenders who emerged second in the selection process exercised his constitutional right to seek legal redress, the matter was duly adjudicated upon by a competent court of law, with judgment delivered in favour of the current Ward Head Elect. This outcome affirms that the process was subjected to judicial scrutiny and found to be valid. It is important to emphasise that the judgment remains binding and subsisting unless and until it is set aside or stayed by a higher court. Matters of litigation and their outcomes are entirely beyond the control or influence of the Local Government Chairman, who is duty-bound to respect the rule of law.
“Secondly, the allegation that the Chairman influenced or imposed any candidate is entirely false and without merit. The Office of the Chairman does not determine the criteria for selection, nor does it possess the authority to unilaterally install a Ward Head. The process is independently conducted by designated bodies, and those who participated in the voting or decision-making process, many of whom represent diverse interests, are alive and available to attest that no inducement, coercion, or interference emanated from the Chairman. Engr. Sunny Oche has consistently upheld neutrality and has remained committed to promoting transparency and fairness in all community affairs.
“Furthermore, the Chairman holds in the highest regard the authority of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as duly constituted by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, as well as the revered Idoma Traditional Council under the leadership of the Och’Idoma, HRM Agaba-Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John. Decisions regarding traditional leadership are products of these legally and culturally recognised institutions, and the Chairman is bound to respect and implement such decisions. Any attempt to attribute their outcomes to the Chairman is a clear misrepresentation of roles and responsibilities”