Benue: Release Our Spokesman, You Are Infringing On His Fundamental Human Rights

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has cried out over the continuous incarceration of its State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Makurdi.

The party urged the DSS to either charge Iortyom to court or release him unconditionally.

The opposition also claimed that the administration of the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia may have a hand in the invitation of its spokesman.

Party sources who spoke with Daily Independent stated that the DSS is yet to reveal reasons for arresting Iortyom who has been in its custody since Monday.

The source claimed that the security outfit has refused to divulge reason for his detention despite efforts from family members and party sources.

The source who spoke under the condition of anonymity described Iortyom’s detention as a flagrant violation of the fundamental human rights of its member.

He noted that as at Thursday afternoon, Iortyom, was yet to regain his freedom, as several visits to the DSS office by officials and members of the party to secure his release were unsuccessful.

According to him, “The beauty of democracy is when the opposition is free to express its views on the actions and decisions of those in power so as to keep them on their feet to serve the people.

“We are however shocked and disappointed that in our state, we are witnessing high handedness by those in authority. They have not even deemed it necessary to give us an explanation concerning Bemgba’s detention.”