At least 98 persons have been remanded in correctional facility over violent protest in Benue State.

The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Makurdi, the State capital, ordered the remand of the accused persons.

Recall that protest had broken out in Ukum Local Goverment Area of the State two weeks ago over the brutal attacks and wanton killings of locals by suspected herdsmen.

Though 99 suspects were arraigned in court, one of the suspects, a nursing mother, was granted bail.

The accused persons were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, culpable homicide, mischief, theft, armed robbery and acts of terrorism.

According to the First Information Report, “The Caretaker Chairman of Ukum local Government Area, Victor Iorzaa, had reported to the police that bandits attacked Boikyo ward in Ayati on July 03, 2024 at about 0030hrs and killed six persons.

“The same day at about 0800hrs, violent protesters in their thousands started burning down private and government property including the Ukum LG Secretariat.”

The FIR listed other properties set ablaze by the protesters to include: Schools, Federal Road Safety Corps office, courts, civil defence office, Unity Bank, Access Bank and UBA, hotels, Benue Links park, residential buildings, INEC area office, BIRS office, police station, NUT office and Local Government Guest House which were estimated to cost millions of naira.

Counsel for the defendants, Tavershima Kusa Esq, E.T. Iyorkaa, M.A Uyina H. A. Abuul, I.G Akange, M.S Kwaghtse, S.T Sorkwu and Robert Esq., did not oppose the application for extension of time to complete investigation.

A counsel, Tavershima, made an oral application to grant bail to one Vivian Jacob, who is a nursing mother.

Ruling on the oral application, the Chief Magistrate, Kelvin Mbanongon, said, “Vivian is to be granted bail in the sum of N500,000 by a surety who should be a civilian servant with two passports.

“This is done in consideration that she is carrying a baby while all others should be remanded in the Correctional Centre, Makurdi.”

The case was adjourned to August 21, 2024, for further mention