WITCH HUNT: Ado LG Chairman Denounces Youth Wing’s ‘Flawed’ Kidnapping Allegations in Ezza Community
By Pan Afric Reporters
Ado Local Government Chairman’s office has strongly refuted the recent claims by the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing alleging the Chairman’s involvement in criminal activities in the Ezza community of Ado LGA.
In a statement signed by Moses Aluma, Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, the Chairman’s office said the youth group’s press release was “misleading, unfounded, and based on a flawed investigation.”
According to the statement, the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing’s self-conducted probe lacked both the legal authority and professional expertise to investigate crimes such as kidnapping and terrorism. Said official findings from the Zone 4 Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Makurdi, contradicted the youth group’s claims, the statement noted.
The CID’s investigation authorized by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun led to the release of three Ezza Ezekuna chiefs previously accused of serious crimes, including operating an illegal detention facility. The police have also summoned those labeled as “victims” by the youth group to appear in Makurdi for further questioning.
“The role of the Local Government Chairman is to support law enforcement, not to conduct investigations,” the statement read. “Portraying the Chairman as responsible for police actions is both misleading and irresponsible.”
The Chairman’s office also questioned the timing of the youth group’s report, which emerged only after the official police probe had concluded. It accused the group of disregarding due process by failing to interview key individuals before making public accusations.
Reaffirming commitment to public safety, the statement urged residents to channel criminal reports through the police. “We are confident ongoing investigations will uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” it added.
The press statement in full
Rebuttal to Allegations by the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Regarding Events in Ezza Community, Ado Local Government Area
The Office of the Ado Local Government Chairman categorically refutes the claims made by the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing in their recent press release. We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding alleged kidnapping and criminal activities in the Ezza community, but we strongly object to the manner in which these allegations have been presented and the unfounded accusations leveled against the Chairman.
The Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing’s “investigation,” lacking the necessary legal authority and professional expertise to conduct a criminal investigation, is premature and deeply flawed. Their findings are not only unsubstantiated but also contradict the official findings of the Zone 4 Criminal Investigation Department (CID), a fully qualified and authorized investigative body. The CID concluded its investigation last Sunday, resulting in the release of three Chiefs representing the Ezza Ezekuna Peoples Patriotic Congress (EEPPC) previously indicted on charges of kidnapping, terrorism, and operating an illegal detention center. This release was authorized by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. Furthermore, the State Cid Zone 4, Makurdi, has summoned those individuals the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing refers to as “victims” to appear before them in Makurdi.
It is crucial to clarify that the investigation of criminal matters is the sole responsibility of the police, not individuals or local government officials. The Local Government Chairman’s role is to support law enforcement, not to conduct investigations. The Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing’s attempt to portray the Chairman as responsible for the actions of the police is misleading and irresponsible.
The assertion that individuals referred to as “Patriotic” are responsible for these crimes, yet the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing failed to interview these individuals before making such a claim, demonstrates a gross disregard for due process and fundamental fairness. This biased approach casts serious doubt on the credibility of their report. Their questions directed at the Chairman are therefore based on a fundamentally flawed and incomplete investigation.
The timing of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing’s report is also suspect, appearing only after the conclusion of the official police investigation.
The Ado Local Government Chairman remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents. We cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and urge all citizens to utilize appropriate channels for reporting criminal activities. We are confident that the ongoing police investigations will uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. Any further inquiries should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Signed,
Moses Aluma
SA On Media And Strategic Communication, Ado Local Government
