Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has defended the state government’s decision to confiscate a truckload of palliatives belonging to Terseer Ugboh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ushongo/Kwande Federal Constituency. The palliatives were seized after a tip-off suggested they were being diverted to a private residence.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, on Monday, Governor Alia explained that the palliatives, secured from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Jos, had not been registered with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) office in Makurdi, as is customary. This raised suspicions, leading to the government’s intervention.

“Upon receiving information that palliatives were diverted to a private residence at kilometre two along Gboko road, the governor directed that the truck be moved to the government house,” Tersoo stated. He further noted that traditional leaders and stakeholders from the Kwande/Ushongo constituency were unaware of the arrival of any relief materials.

The truck, which contained 578 bags of rice, garri, mattresses, mosquito nets, wax prints, vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, and tomato paste, was seized pending the conclusion of an investigation. Governor Alia assured that the palliatives would be distributed to the intended beneficiaries once the inquiry is completed.

Ugboh, however, condemned the seizure, expressing disappointment at what he termed the politicization of the issue. Speaking to journalists, the lawmaker said he had partnered with NEMA to transport the relief materials to Benue and had spent over N5 million on logistics. According to him, the palliatives were meant to be stored in a warehouse in Makurdi before being distributed to displaced persons in his constituency.

“It is true that the Benue State Government seized one of the truckloads of palliatives, alleging we planned to divert them. This action has not only delayed the distribution of much-needed relief but has also tarnished my image,” Ugboh lamented. He also threatened to take legal action if the truck is not released by Tuesday.

As tensions rise between the lawmaker and the state government, Ugboh has urged his constituents to remain patient, promising that the palliatives would reach them soon. Governor Alia also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing support to the state, while pledging to ensure that the palliatives reach those in need once investigations conclude.