Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Hon. Dennis Terkura Guda, has attributed the security breach witnessed in Vandeikya Township on March 8, 2026, to the actions of Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, the Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District.
Hon. Guda explained that the breach was linked to the presence of unfamiliar youths who reportedly stormed the area carrying banners bearing the senator’s name with various inscriptions.
The chairman expressed concern over the presence of youths whose identities and mission were unknown to residents and local youths within Vandeikya communities.
According to him, the activities of these individuals heightened tension in the area and have been orchestrated to create a false impression capable of implicating the state government and the local government council.
Hon. Guda also faulted Senator Udende for failing to officially notify him, in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, or to obtain security clearance from the appropriate security agencies before embarking on the visit to Vandeikya local government.
He noted that such actions were inconsistent with established protocols guiding official visits by high-profile political figures.
“A public figure of Senator Udende’s status is expected to formally notify the local government authorities, security agencies, and even party leadership before undertaking such a visit, particularly when we belong to the same political party. The circumstances surrounding this visit therefore raise serious concerns about the motive behind it,” the chairman stated.
Recounting the events of the day, Hon. Guda explained that while he was attending morning Mass, he received distress calls regarding a developing security situation involving some of Senator Udende’s aides and unidentified youths within Vandeikya.
In order to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the chairman immediately mobilized the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Vandeikya and his men to the scene, as tension had begun to escalate.
It was at the House of Solution Church of All Nations (HOSCOAN), located at Kpe Aya in Tsua Community, Mbagbera, Vandeikya Local Government Area, that the chairman discovered that Senator Udende had attended a thanksgiving service organized in his honour.
Hon. Guda stated that he held a brief interaction with the senator and inquired whether he had formally informed the local government authority or the security agencies prior to attending the event. Senator Udende reportedly apologized, attributing the oversight to his tight schedule and communication challenges.
However, given the increasingly tense atmosphere, the chairman advised the senator to leave the area in order to prevent further escalation. Senator Udende was subsequently escorted by the chairman alongside police officers led by the DPO to the boundary between Vandeikya and Kwande Local Government Areas to ensure his safety and maintenance of public order.
The chairman dismissed reports circulating in some social media alleging that Senator Udende was attacked by thugs in Vandeikya, describing such claims as baseless, misleading, and a distortion of facts.
He further disclosed that he personally, together with police officers popularly known as “Anyam Nyor,” supervised the repair of one of the vehicles in the senator’s convoy which broke down at Branch Ater while en route to Kwande, and ensured the safe evacuation of the vehicle’s occupants.
Hon. Guda therefore advised political actors and public office holders to always seek proper clearance from local authorities before organizing or attending political or official engagements within the local government area. According to him, such protocols are necessary to enable adequate security coordination and prevent avoidable security breaches.