By Achile Danjuma
A newly appointed media consultant for the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bemgba Iortyom, has survived an attack by suspected political thugs. The assailants set his vehicle ablaze in the state capital, Makurdi, on Friday night.
The attack occurred just 24 hours after Iortyom’s appointment was publicly announced by the party’s State Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh.
Narrating his ordeal to journalists on Saturday, Iortyom described how he narrowly escaped the assault on the busy George Akume Way. According to his account, he was pulling over to make a phone call when he was ambushed by five men on two motorcycles.
“The assailants, numbering five, came on two motorcycles,” Iortyom stated. “As I was pulling off the road to park, they blocked my path. Armed with short axes, they descended on me. I give God Almighty the glory for quick thinking, which enabled me to act fast. I opened the car door and ran, escaping just before the hoodlums doused my Peugeot 406 Saloon in fuel and set it ablaze.”
Iortyom recounted that the attackers fled the scene immediately, while his desperate shouts for help were met with inaction from onlookers who urged him to prioritize his safety over the vehicle. The entire incident, he said, unfolded in a matter of minutes.
He has since reported the attack to the police, confirming that an investigation has been opened into the matter.
Confirming the report, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “As long as the victim has reported to the police, an investigation into the incident will be carried out,” Edet stated.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, but its proximity to Iortyom’s political appointment has raised concerns about political violence in the state ahead of future elections.