Suspected thugs on Friday night attacked a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Bemgba Iortyom, and set his vehicle ablaze in Makurdi, the state capital.

Iortyom, who serves as Consultant on Media and Public Communications to the PDP in the state, said the incident occurred along George Akume Way at about 8:30 p.m.

He said about five assailants riding on two motorcycles allegedly blocked his vehicle while he was attempting to park and make a phone call.

According to him, the attackers, armed with short axes, approached him, forcing him to abandon the vehicle and run for safety. He said the assailants then poured fuel on his Peugeot 406 and set it on fire before fleeing the scene.

The PDP chieftain said the incident had been reported to the police, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

He called on security agencies to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further acts of violence in the state as the 2027 general elections approach.

Earlier on Friday, Iortyom had said the PDP in Benue would work toward reclaiming political power in the state in 2027.

In a statement issued following his appointment as Consultant on Media and Public Communications to the party in the state, he said the PDP would intensify efforts to regain power and called on stakeholders across Benue to support what he described as efforts to address the state’s challenges. (Weekend Trust)