ANXIETY and fear have gripped Benue State following the sudden disappearance of two prominent citizens, Atu Terver, Principal Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth and Media Mobilisation, and Asom Jerry, a well-known social media activist and vocal critic of the government.
News Point Nigeria reports that Terver, popularly called Krazy T, was last seen on Tuesday while travelling from Makurdi to Abuja, where he was scheduled to reunite with his family. His wife, Mrs. Civir Terver, confirmed to journalists that he never arrived at his destination.
“He left Makurdi on Tuesday and was coming to see us in Abuja but did not show up. The case was reported at the police station in Abuja, and they told us that they were investigating it. As of today, I am yet to get any useful information about his whereabouts,” she said in a voice heavy with emotion.
The second case involves Asom Jerry, a digital activist whose disappearance has sparked heated debate online. While some social media users claim Jerry was arrested by security agents, others allege he was abducted by unknown persons.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was not aware of any arrest involving Jerry and clarified that Terver’s disappearance occurred outside Benue State jurisdiction.
“I don’t have any information on the alleged arrest of the social media activist as I am just hearing of it from you. Regarding Governor Alia’s appointee, it happened in Abuja, not in Benue State,” she said.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the state government proved abortive, as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Terso, did not answer calls or respond to messages at the time of filing this report.
The Austin Agada-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has strongly criticised Governor Alia’s handling of the situation.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, the faction accused the governor of “insensitivity and inaction,” arguing that his silence has worsened public anxiety.
“The sudden disappearance of notable Benue citizens, including activist and fierce government critic, Asom Jerry, and the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Terver, popularly known as Krazy T, has created deep fear and uncertainty among our people,” the statement read.
“These incidents strike at the heart of public trust in government and the security agencies mandated to protect citizens. The governor has chosen to remain silent, offering no reassurance, update, or concrete action.”
The disappearance of the two men has dominated conversations across Benue State and on social media platforms, with hashtags like #WhereIsKrazyT and #FreeAsomJerry trending among concerned citizens and activists.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Terver has appealed to security agencies and the federal government to intervene, saying her family is living in fear and uncertainty.
“We just want him back safely. We are praying and waiting for any news from the authorities,” she said.
With investigations ongoing, the fate of Atu Terver and Asom Jerry remains unknown, leaving Benue residents anxious and calling for answers.