Makurdi — Truck loads of armed riot policemen yesterday took over Otukpo, headquarters of Benue-South senatorial district in advance of today's verdict of the Court of Appeal in Jos on the election of Senate President David Mark.

At least five Toyota Hilux vans and other police vehicles conveyed the armed policemen, who arrived Otukpo town as early as 9am yesterday. They were stationed at strategic locations including Asa Road, the gateway into Otukpo GRA where the two politicians seeking judgment, namely Senator David Mark of the PDP and ANPP's Usman Dan Abubakar Maishanu, alias Young Alhaji, both reside.

Benue State police commissioner Mr. Kayode Ibiyinka confirmed this in an interview with Daily Trust. He said, "Tuesday is ruling day in the case between Senate President David Mark and Young Alhaji, so you should expect that".

He added, "We don't know who and who will be aggrieved by the decision of the court and come out to break the law. People can go on rampage and try to disrupt activities in the town. That is why we sent armed policemen there".

Daily Trust sought the reaction of both Mark and Young Alhaji and they said it was okay by them. Mark's Special Assistant on Media and Communication Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan said; "If the police say they are deploying their men to forestall breakdown of law and order, it is okay.

Who am I to question that?" Young Alhaji's media aide, Mr. Benjamin Obe said; "The police action is in order. We want law and order in Otukpo".

He alleged that "we have had a lot of threats on our lives these days over the awaited Jos ruling. Though I call them empty threats, but no threat is small, so it is a welcome development".

Today's court ruling comes at a time when the state governor, Gabriel Tor-Suswam is away to the United States of America. Otukpo is one of the volatile towns in Benue state in electioneering matters, the others being Gboko and Tarka towns in the Tiv speaking area.

The town was volatile throughout the transition period which began in 2006, particularly with the PDP primary elections. Youths in the area are prone to taking to the streets, violently, to protest the outcome of an election.