Leaders of the Justice and Human Rights Advocates have strongly condemned the recent assault on judges in Benue State by suspected thugs, calling it a grave threat to judicial independence and governance. Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, the national coordinator of the group, emphasized the negative implications of such attacks, noting that this incident occurred under the current administration.
On February 19, 2025, a group of thugs, reportedly in vehicles displaying the governor’s image, held 19 judges hostage for nearly five hours, vandalizing the chief judge’s office and assaulting security personnel. Agabi also highlighted previous disruptions, including incidents at events attended by judges. He further criticized the governor for appointing caretaker local government chairmen, defying a National Industrial Court ruling, and ignoring a Supreme Court judgment.
The group also voiced concern over unpaid judiciary staff salaries, which have led to prolonged strikes and disruptions in the judicial system.
