BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
The Benue State Government has strongly rejected allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, that thugs allegedly linked to the state government stopped him from gaining access to Yelewata to commiserate with families affected by the 2025 attacks.
The state government described the allegation as unfounded and an attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the people of Benue into what it suggested could be an internal political dispute within the NDC.
Afrilensnews reports that the government, in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said it had no knowledge of the alleged incident and questioned whether Obi actually visited Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The statement said, “We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about.”
According to the government, Obi’s alleged claims were particularly questionable, citing what it described as his “antecedents of making untrue statements against the state.”
The statement further declared that Peter Obi was not a threat to Governor Alia, stressing that even if he had visited Benue and security concerns arose, recognised security agencies, rather than political thugs, would be responsible for handling such matters.
“Governor Alia is a peace-loving Reverend gentleman. He is averse to the promotion of thuggery,” the statement said.
The government maintained that the Alia administration neither engages, patronises nor deploys thugs for governance or security purposes, insisting that it remains committed to the rule of law and relies on established security agencies to maintain peace across Benue.
It also questioned the circumstances surrounding Obi’s alleged visit, noting that a presidential candidate visiting the state would ordinarily be expected to have his movement properly coordinated with the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security authorities.
The statement said, “It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement.”
The government urged Obi to resolve any disagreement or political challenge involving the NDC structure in Benue within the party, rather than linking such disputes to the state government.
“We really find it difficult to understand the basis for Mr. Obi’s attempt to connect every fabrication with the Benue State Government, and Governor Hyacinth Alia in the first instance,” the statement added.
The Alia administration further said it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts to create political controversies, maintaining that its priority remained governance, security and the welfare of Benue residents.
The government consequently urged members of the public to disregard allegations connecting it with any incident involving Peter Obi, stressing that Benue remains open to political actors and Nigerians who visit the state peacefully.
The exchange could further heighten political tensions in Benue, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, where allegations involving political parties, security and access to communities could become increasingly contentious.
