Tension is mounting in Benue State following the disappearance of two prominent individuals, including a senior aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia, amid growing criticism of the governor’s silence on the matter.
The missing persons include the governor’s Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Terver (popularly known as Krazy T), who was last seen on Tuesday while travelling from Makurdi to Abuja. Also missing is Asom Jerry, a social media activist and vocal government critic.
Wife Cries Out
Terver’s wife, Civir, confirmed to Punch on Thursday that her husband never arrived in Abuja as expected.
“He left Makurdi on Tuesday to come and see us in Abuja, but he did not show up. The case was reported at the police station in Abuja, and they said they were investigating. As of today, I still don’t have any useful information about his whereabouts,” she said, adding that the state government had not contacted her since his disappearance.
Police React
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, distanced the state police from the case, clarifying that Terver’s disappearance occurred outside Benue and denying knowledge of Jerry’s alleged arrest.
“I don’t have any information on the alleged arrest of the activist, as I’m just hearing it from you. Regarding the governor’s appointee, the case happened in Abuja, not in Benue State,” she explained.
APC Faction Slams Governor’s Silence
The Austin Agada-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue strongly condemned the governor’s lack of response.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, the group described Governor Alia’s silence as “disturbing” and warned that it undermines public confidence.
“The sudden disappearance of notable Benue citizens, including activist and fierce government critic, Asom Jerry, and the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Terver, has created deep fear and uncertainty among our people. These incidents strike at the heart of public trust in government and the security agencies mandated to protect citizens,” the statement read.
Unanswered Questions
As the mystery deepens, pressure is mounting on Governor Alia to break his silence and address the public on the fate of his missing aide and the activist. For now, the uncertainty has left many Benue residents anxious, with calls growing louder for urgent intervention.
