By SUNTV Global Channel | September 8, 2026
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of political witch-hunting, alleging that 23 vehicles legitimately allocated to him after leaving office were seized by the state government.
Ortom said he subsequently challenged the seizure in court and won, claiming that the court ordered the return of the vehicles and awarded him ₦5 million in damages.
The former governor made the claims during an appearance on Arise News on Tuesday.
According to Ortom, the vehicles were allocated to him legitimately by the Benue State Government following the expiration of his tenure as governor.
He alleged that the Alia administration seized the vehicles without prior communication, describing the action as unjustified.
Ortom accused the current administration of disregarding the rule of law and using government power to target political opponents and critics.
“We are yet to get it right in Benue State as far as some of us are concerned,” Ortom said while discussing the political situation in the state.
He maintained that democracy must be built on respect for the rule of law and accused the government of allegedly pursuing political opponents rather than promoting unity.
According to the former governor, the dispute over the vehicles was eventually taken before a court, where he claimed the state government was ordered to return the vehicles and pay him ₦5 million as damages.
The controversy surrounding government vehicles dates back to the early months of Governor Alia’s administration.
Shortly after assuming office in June 2023, Governor Alia reportedly established a committee to recover government assets allegedly removed by officials and associates of the previous administration.
The committee was tasked with tracing and recovering state-owned properties, including vehicles, land, houses, furniture and other government assets.
The recovery exercise later sparked political tension between the Alia administration and members of the immediate past government.
In July 2023, several vehicles were reportedly recovered from an automobile workshop along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road, further intensifying the political dispute.
The matter subsequently resulted in legal actions involving the Benue State Government and individuals who claimed ownership of some of the seized vehicles.
Ortom’s latest comments have again brought attention to the long-running political differences between the former governor and his successor.
Beyond the vehicle dispute, Ortom also accused the current administration of creating what he described as an unfriendly political atmosphere for critics and opposition figures.
He alleged that supporters of the government often attack elders, political leaders and individuals who offer constructive criticism.
The former governor further claimed that the state government had not organised a broad-based stakeholders’ meeting involving political leaders across party lines since assuming office.
However, the Alia administration has continued to hold engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders across different parts of the state.
The latest exchange is expected to further highlight the political differences between Ortom and Governor Alia as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding the political situation in Benue State and provide updates as more reactions emerge.
