Benue state Governor

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Benue State Government has denied allegations by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that thugs allegedly linked to Governor Hyacinth Alia blocked his convoy from accessing Yelewata.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, described Obi’s allegation as unfounded and an attempt to drag the Alia administration and the people of Benue into what he described as an internal political matter within the NDC.

Kula said the state government had no knowledge of the alleged incident involving Obi, stressing that the administration did not engage or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.

According to him, Governor Alia is committed to peace, the rule of law and the use of recognised security agencies to maintain order across the state.

The statement questioned the circumstances surrounding Obi’s visit, arguing that as a presidential candidate, his movement into the state would ordinarily require security coordination with the Commissioner of Police and other relevant agencies.

The government also expressed doubt over Obi’s claim that he was blocked from visiting Yelewata to console families affected by the 2025 attacks, saying it found it difficult to understand his decision to link the alleged incident to the state government.

Kula further suggested that if Obi was facing disagreements or political challenges within the NDC structure in Benue, such matters should be resolved within the party rather than attributed to the state government.

He maintained that Obi was not a threat to Governor Alia, adding that even if any security concern arose during the visit, it was the responsibility of security agencies, rather than political thugs, to address it.

The government urged members of the public to disregard allegations linking the Alia administration to the incident involving the NDC presidential candidate.

It said the state remained open to legitimate visitors, political actors and Nigerians who came in peace, while assuring that the administration would remain focused on governance, security and the welfare of Benue residents.