Concerns are mounting in Benue State following the disappearance of two individuals, including a top aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
One of the missing persons is Atu Terver, the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Media Mobilisation.
He was last seen on Tuesday, reportedly travelling from Makurdi to Abuja but never arrived at his destination.
The second individual, Asom Jerry, a well-known social media activist, has also been declared missing.
His disappearance has sparked intense speculation online, with some alleging he was arrested by security operatives, though no official confirmation has been given.
Speaking with Punch on Thursday, Terver’s wife, Mrs. Civir Terver, confirmed her husband had set out for Abuja to visit his family but lost contact along the way.
“He left Makurdi on Tuesday and was coming to see us in Abuja but didn’t show up. The case was reported to the police here, and they said they are investigating. As of today, there’s still no information on his whereabouts,” she said.
When asked if she had been contacted by the state government, she responded that there had been no communication from her husband’s employer.
The Benue State Police Command stated it had no information on the alleged arrest of Jerry.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, explained that Terver’s case was under the jurisdiction of the FCT Command, as the incident reportedly occurred outside Benue.
“I’m just hearing about the activist’s arrest from you. As for the governor’s aide, the matter happened in Abuja, not in Benue State,” Edet said.
Attempts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Terso, were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
Meanwhile, the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Austin Agada, expressed alarm over the disappearances. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, the party criticised Governor Alia’s administration for remaining silent.
“The sudden disappearance of prominent Benue citizens, activist and critic Asom Jerry, and the governor’s aide Atu Terver (popularly known as Krazy T) has sparked fear and uncertainty.”
“These events undermine public trust in government and security agencies,” the statement read.
The APC faction condemned what it described as the governor’s “insensitivity and inaction,” urging security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the missing men and ensure those behind the incidents are held accountable.
The party also called on the state government to break its silence, reassure the public and show commitment to protecting the lives and rights of citizens.
