Apparently referring to the botched visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has warned that he will not guarantee the safety of any person or group coming to the state without his knowledge.
The Benue Governor also urged those considering such visits to reconsider their decision in their interest and safety.
The governor further cautioned anyone planning to visit the IDPs camps in the state to get prior approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) before embarking on such visits.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Benue Governor, Tersoo Kula, titled: “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”
The statement reads in part, “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today. He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.
“Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high-profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed.
“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA.
“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.”
Why my visit to Benue was cancelled – Peter Obi
But Peter Obi has reacted to the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State, saying that he is disturbed by the unsettling incident arising from the botched visit.
In a statement issued in Abuja, on Monday, Obi explained that ordinarily, he would have refrained from commenting on the matter, having endured far more challenging situations in his political journey.
He ,however, disclosed that recent events have compelled him to speak out and address the issue.
According to him, he had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue States as part of his ongoing outreach efforts, aimed at supporting the IDPs and promoting health and education initiatives.
He added that the visits, planned for Sunday, April 13 in Plateau and Monday, April 14 in Benue, were to include courtesy calls on the state governors, visits to IDP camps, and interactions with institutions such as schools of nursing.
He recounted that, as is his customary practice, he reached out to the Plateau State Government to notify the government of his intended visit.
Obi also disclosed that the Plateau State Governor had welcomed him and provided all necessary support, allowing him to spend meaningful time with the victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.
But he painted a different picture regarding his efforts to reach the Benue State Governor.
Obi further explained that despite several attempts, he was unable to establish direct contact with the Benue State Governor, saying that he eventually succeeded in speaking with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who informed him that the governor was engaged in an important meeting but promised to return his call before midnight.
He added that this promised call never came, and days later, the ADC sent a message to him, claiming he had been unable to reach the governor while Obi described the development as deeply troubling.
But Obi decided to proceed with his trip to Makurdi, viewing his visit to the governor as a matter of courtesy rather than necessity. Departing Jos at 7am on the day of the planned visit, he received an unexpected development while en route.
Upon reaching Akwanga at about 10am, his security team intercepted a press statement, reportedly issued by the Benue State Government, effectively halting his visit. Curiously, while he was still discussing the matter with his team, the Governor’s ADC forwarded the same statement to him directly.
Obi said, “The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team.”
He further reiterated that his visit was driven purely by humanitarian motives, aimed at supporting critical areas of development, including health care, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians.
Obi also reminded the public of his long-standing commitment to such causes, noting that even before his political career, and consistently throughout it, he had remained devoted to initiatives for the common good.
He said, “People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support.”
The former Anambra State Governor also stated that his intended engagements in Benue included a visit to a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp—reflecting his enduring commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
Obi then prayed for Nigeria, saying that, “May God help us as we rebuild our nation and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but instead live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, especially those in need.”
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