The Benue State government’s failure to provide official vehicles to newly-elected local government chairmen across 23 council areas has sparked concerns over their security and safety.

It was gathered that many chairmen have turned to using motorbikes to commute to work, highlighting the risks they face.

Sources who spoke with our correspondent, said no fewer than three of the chairmen (names withheld) have been involved in motorcycle accidents, leading to minor injuries, and dislocations.

It was gathered that the council chairmen resorted to carrying out their official duties using motorcycles as they could no longer pay for vehicles which they have been using on hired basis since inauguration.

Recall that the council elections were held on October 6, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) winning all the 23 chairmanship seats, as well as 276 councillorship positions.

However, about three weeks after they were issued with certificates of return by the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Richard Tombowua, the state government has yet to empower the chairmen with official vehicles.

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A source said one of the council chairmen was not lucky as he sustained injury in the accident involving him and the motorcycle riders conveying him to office.

“It is sad that about three weeks after securing landslide victories in their respective councils, the 23 chairmen have not been given official vehicles to enable them hit the ground running.

“Due to the passion many of the newly- elected local government chief executives have resorted to plying what is known in local parlance as ‘okada’.

“From the feelers I got, three of the council chairmen have since fallen-off these means of transportation, sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

“One of them even suffered dislocation, and has since been receiving treatment,” he said.

Another source, who confirmed the development,described it as “a very huge embarrassment to both the office of chairman, and that of the grassroots”.

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