Though 99 suspects were arraigned in court, one of the suspects, a nursing mother was granted bail.
The accused persons were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, culpable homicide, mischief, theft, armed robbery and acts of terrorism.
The first information report said, “The Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LG, Victor Iorzaa, had reported to the Police that bandits attacked Boikyo ward in Ayati on 03/07/2024 at about 0030hrs and killed six persons.
“The same day at about 0800hrs, violent protesters in their thousands started burning down private and government property including Ukum LG Secretariat”.
The FIR listed other properties set ablaze by the protesters including schools, Federal Road Safety Corps office, courts, Civil Defence office, Unity, Access and UBA banks, hotels, Benue Links park, residential buildings, INEC area office, BIRS office, Police station, NUT office and local government guest house which amounted to millions of naira.
Counsels to the defendants, Tavershima Kusa, E.T. Iyorkaa, M.A Uyina H. A. Abuul, I.G Akange, M.S kwaghtse, S.T Sorkwu and Robert did not oppose to application for extension of time to complete investigation.
A counsel, Tavershima, made an oral application to grant bail to one Vivian Jacob, a nursing mother.
Ruling on the oral application, the Chief Magistrate, Kelvin Mbanongon said, “Vivian is to be granted bail in the sum of 500,000 by a surety who should be a civilian servant with two passports.
“This is done in consideration that she is carrying a baby while all others should be remanded in the correctional centre, Makurdi”.
The case was adjourned to August 21, 2024, for further mention.
