By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

The Benue State House of Assembly has established a five-member ad-hoc committee to investigate serious criminal allegations levelled against Hon. Sunday Oche, Chairman of Ado Local Government Area. The committee is chaired by Hon. Mrs Becky Orpin.

Other members of the panel include Hon. Kennedy Angbo, Hon. Barr. Williams Ortyom, Hon. Gyila Solomon, Hon. Dr. Mathew Damkor, with Mr Joseph Awuna serving as Secretary.

The development followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Deputy Speaker and representative of Ado Constituency, Hon. Mrs Lami Danladi Ogenyi, who informed the House that the Ado council chairman had allegedly been involved in criminal activities that have brought severe distress and fear to residents of the area.

Hon. Danladi claimed that Hon. Oche created an unauthorised “Special Team” and operates an illegal detention facility located in a forest in Obioge village, where kidnapped individuals are held until ransom is paid.

She further alleged that victims who fail to meet ransom demands are subjected to extreme torture, including sexual assault, grievous bodily harm, and, in some cases, death.

During debate, lawmakers such as Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu and Hon. Douglas Akya raised concerns over the alleged involvement of a local government chairman—who serves as the chief security officer—in forming a criminal gang. They backed calls for a thorough investigation to uncover the facts.

In response, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, formally constituted the ad-hoc committee and directed it to report back within two weeks.

Also at Wednesday’s plenary, the House formed another five-member ad-hoc committee chaired by Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako. Members include Hon. Manager Manger, Hon. Anyor Matu, Hon. Isaac Ochikliye, and Hon. Moses Egbodo, while Francis Adole will serve as Secretary.

This second committee has been tasked with investigating a petition submitted by Mr Ojotu Mohammed Olotu against the Chairman of the Benue State Local Government Service Commission. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.

The House further expressed displeasure over the absence of Head of Service, Mr Moses Agbogbo Ode, and the Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Denen Aondoakaa. Both officials were summoned to appear before the Assembly on Friday, 1 August 2025, without excuse.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that four bills were presented for first reading during the same plenary session. These include a bill to regulate scavenger activities in Benue State, sponsored by Speaker Dajoh and 31 other lawmakers; the Benue State Power Rotation Bill, sponsored by Hon. Samuel Agada; the Benue State Pension Administration and Free Healthcare Bill; and the Benue State Agency Against Quackery Bill, sponsored by Hon. Douglas Akya.

The Assembly also granted approval for the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, to address the House on Tuesday, 5 August, regarding the status of bills assented to by the Executive.

Barr. Mnyim, who appeared briefly before the House on Wednesday, requested additional time to prepare a comprehensive briefing.