RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
The OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide has demanded a public apology from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s aide, Terver Gbenda, over remarks allegedly made during his recent outing in Otukpo, Benue South Senatorial District.
The group accused Gbenda, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Illegal Levies and Support Groups, of making what it described as reckless threats and provocative remarks against Idoma youths during the visit.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu, the youth wing said it was “deeply pained” and disappointed by Gbenda’s conduct, insisting that Idoma youths should not be intimidated in their own communities.
“How can a Governor’s aide leave his comfort zone in Makurdi, come to Otukpo, and indiscriminately warn and threaten Idoma youths, thinking he can force the entire Benue South to support Governor Hyacinth Alia?” the group asked.
It declared that “Zone C is not a conquered territory,” maintaining that residents of Benue South should not be intimidated over their political choices.
The group also criticised some local government chairmen and youths whom it accused of encouraging or supporting Gbenda during his outing.
GROUP GIVES GBENDA THREE DAYS
The youth wing demanded an unreserved public apology from Gbenda within three days, warning that failure to do so would attract what it described as political consequences.
According to the statement, the group would begin consultations with political actors opposed to the Alia administration, mobilise voters across Benue South and campaign on what it described as the government’s neglect of the zone.
The allegation of neglect represents the youth group’s position and was not independently established in the statement.
The organisation said the controversy had heightened its concerns about development in Benue South and announced plans to hold a press conference to address the matter further.
Gbenda’s response to the allegations was not included in the information available for this report.
