The London Line Transport Company Limited has submitted a petition to the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, regarding the seizure of 32 vehicles from its premises last week.
According to reports, the company is demanding the return of its impounded vehicles and seeking N5 billion in damages from the Benue State government.
The incident occurred when an asset recovery committee, led by Hinga Biem, raided the petitioner’s premises, which is believed to be an automobile company associated with former governor Samuel Ortom.
Governor Alia had pledged to recover all allegedly “stolen” state assets, as his administration claimed that Ortom took away 29 vehicles belonging to the state at the end of his tenure.
In the petition dated July 14, the CEO of London Line Transport Company Limited, Emmanual Viashima, asserted ownership of the impounded vehicles and demanded N5 billion in damages for the forceful invasion of his facility.
The petition was sent to various organizations, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Assets Recovery Committee, and the Tor Tiv.
Viashima disclosed the names of the vehicle owners, which included Ortom, his wife Eunice, a traditional ruler, and some former governor’s aides. He also expressed concern about the destruction of his wife’s car during the seizure operation.
He stated, “Upon being informed of the development, I rushed to the scene to make sense out of the entire chaotic scenario, and to my utter disbelief, I was locked out of the premises and refused entry.”
Viashima emphasized that the company had already suffered negative publicity and immediate consequences due to the invasion.
Contrary to the committee’s claim of towing away 30 vehicles, Viashima clarified that the number of vehicles forcefully taken by the committee was 32.
The CEO urged the governor to investigate the issues raised in the petition and correct the mistaken impression created in the public’s mind.
He called for the release of the seized vehicles and the payment of N5 billion in damages by the Benue State government to alleviate the economic impact of his losses and revive his business.
Leave a Reply