Benue Probe Panel Flags N139.8bn in Unexplained Funds During Ortom Administration
A judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Benue State Government has reported that approximately N139.8 billion could not be accounted for after examining the state’s financial records during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom from 2015 to 2023.
According to the panel’s findings, Benue State generated more than N826.5 billion within the eight-year period, while total expenditure was put at about N683.4 billion. The commission stated that the difference between the revenue and expenditure figures remains unexplained.
The panel also expressed concerns over some loan transactions involving local government councils and financial institutions, as well as the transfer of public funds that allegedly lacked proper documentation and accountability records.
The report was formally presented to the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi on Friday. In response, the state government said it would carefully review the commission’s recommendations and take appropriate action based on its findings.
