20/04/2026
PRESS STATEMENT
MBATIEREV YOUTHS FORUM CONDEMNS IN STRONG TERMS THE DISRUPTION OF MBATIEREV NATIONAL DAY, DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY AND JUSTICE
The Mbatierev Youths Forum condemns in the strongest possible terms the unfortunate, shameful and politically motivated disruption of the Mbatierev National Day celebration held on the 17th and 18th of April, 2026.
Mbatierev National Day is a revered annual event organized by the Mbatierev Development Association to celebrate our history, honour sons and daughters who have contributed to the progress of our land, unite our people and put heads together for the development of Mbatierev. It is a cultural and developmental gathering, not a political rally.
In the build-up to the event, goodwill messages and support were received from notable stakeholders, including the Benue State Government, Gboko Local Government Council, community leaders, political aspirants across party lines, camps and business leaders.
However, on the 16th of April, 2026, officials of the Benue State Government attempted to politicize the event by directing the President of the Mbatierev Development Association to restrict participation, honours and speaking roles only to individuals perceived to be loyal to the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
This directive was firmly rejected by the leadership of the Association, who rightly maintained that Mbatierev National Day is a non-partisan platform open to all who genuinely support the growth and development of Mbatierev people.
On the night of the 17th of April, further pressure was mounted when, through the Gboko Council Chairman, the Government demanded the removal of the name of Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh from the list of honourees. Once again, the Association stood its ground, affirming that Rt. Hon. Dajoh’s recognition was based purely on his undeniable contributions to the development of Mbatierev, through infrastructure, empowerment, agricultural support and educational interventions.
In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of the grand finale, April 18th, 2026, over 20 thugs, allegedly led by the APC Youth Leader in Gboko, Mr. Terfa Tsetim, violently stormed the venue. They destroyed canopies, vandalized chairs, decorations and physically assaulted dignitaries and participants.
This act of violence is barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct attack on the peace, unity and cultural dignity of Mbatierev people.
We state unequivocally that support and goodwill of the people cannot be won through intimidation, coercion or violence. Leadership must be earned through performance, fairness, and inclusion, not force.
We further emphasize that Mbatierev people cannot and will not be coerced into supporting any political agenda that does not reflect their interests. It is deeply concerning that, as it stands, Mbatierev Nation has no meaningful representation in the current state government, not a single appointee, nor any visible developmental project to justify such desperation for political control.
Despite the disruption, we reaffirm that all honours due to being conferred during the event remain valid, including the prestigious recognition of Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh as "Vande u Mbatierev" by the Traditional Council, an honour well-deserved based on his outstanding contributions to our community.
In light of the above, the Mbatierev Youths Forum makes the following demands:
1. The Benue State Government must immediately compensate for all destroyed properties, including canopies, chairs and decorations.
2. The Government must take full responsibility for all persons injured during the attack and ensure their proper medical care.
3. The immediate and unconditional release of the President of Mbatierev Development Association and members of the planning committee allegedly being held and denied the opportunity to address the people
4. A thorough investigation into the attack and appropriate sanctions for those responsible.
We also call on a few misguided Mbatierev sons and daughters who are trading the unity and dignity of our people for political gains to retrace their steps and join hands in building a united and progressive Mbatierev.
The silence of some stakeholders due to fear of victimization must not be mistaken for acceptance. As youths, we refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
Mbatierev will stand. Mbatierev will speak. Mbatierev will not be intimidated.
Signed:
Mbatierev Youths Forum
