It was gathered that the barricade by the police was to avert a violent clash between the two factions of the party in the state, one of which is to be backed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Friday barricaded the State Secretariat of the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Makurdi, the state capital over the lingering crisis within the party in the state.

It was gathered that the barricade by the police was to avert a violent clash between the two factions of the party in the state, one of which is to be backed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Recall that APC has been split into two factions in the state, one faction led by Austin Agada and the other faction led by Benjamin Omakolo.

The deployment of the police operatives to the secretariat was said to have been necessitated by an attempt by the Agada faction which is said to be backed by the SGF to hold a meeting at the partys state secretariat.

Daily Post reports that the Agada-led State Working Committee (SWC), had scheduled Friday for the inauguration of members of the zoning committee for the forthcoming council election at the Secretariat.

However, as at 6am, anti-riot policemen moved their trucks and blocked all access leading to the Secretariat.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Okada riders believed to be loyal to the Benjamin Omakolo-led APC SWC and loyal to Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, took over the scene. 

This is also as Governor Alia had banned all political activities and public gatherings in the state. 

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