Tension rises in Makurdi, Benue State, as the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Berger, is accused of leading an attack on a Channels Television correspondent during media coverage of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Congress.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the incident occurs amid parallel congress activities organized by rival factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), escalating political tension and raising concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists covering party processes.
The journalist at the center of the incident, Pius Angbo of Channels Television, reportedly covers a Makurdi Local Government affirmation congress organized by party executives loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The event takes place in the Madikpo area of Makurdi.
Mediaplusng.com reports that shortly after the coverage, the Speaker allegedly places a phone call to the correspondent, warning him against filing a report on what he describes as a “parallel congress.” The Speaker is said to threaten further action if the report airs, escalating tensions between political actors and the media.
Sources indicate that following the initial call, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, also contacts the journalist to inquire about the coverage, stating that the governor seeks clarification regarding reports of a parallel congress.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the situation intensifies when the correspondent, accompanied by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Bemdoo Ugber, attends a stakeholders’ meeting at StelaRose Hotel in the New GRA area of Makurdi, following an invitation to cover reactions to the congress.
Eyewitness accounts allege that upon arrival at the venue, Speaker Berger confronts the journalist publicly, accusing him of biased reporting and threatening consequences if the report proceeds. The confrontation reportedly escalates into physical aggression, with the correspondent allegedly pushed, slapped, and verbally assaulted before being shielded by stakeholders present at the venue.
The incident follows earlier coverage by multiple media outlets, including AIT and Arise Television, of the distribution of congress materials to the 23 local government areas at the APC state secretariat. The caretaker committee chairman, Benjamin Omale—aligned with Governor Alia’s camp—had earlier stated that the congress process was elective and free of formal complaints.
Political divisions within the Benue APC become more visible when a faction loyal to the SGF conducts a separate congress in the Madikpo area. During that exercise, supervised by returning officer Hilthler Akya, the existing local government executive elected in 2022 is reportedly affirmed through a voice vote. Former local government chairman Audu Akange maintains that the exercise complies with national guidelines for non-elective congresses.
Media rights advocates express concern over the alleged assault, emphasizing that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without intimidation or violence. Observers warn that attacks on media professionals undermine democratic accountability and transparency, particularly during politically sensitive processes such as party congresses.
As of press time, calls grow for an independent review of the incident, while stakeholders urge political actors to respect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists covering party activities in Benue State and across Nigeria.
