The Benue State Government has denied allegations by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, that thugs working for the state government blocked him from accessing Yelewata to sympathise with families affected by the 2025 attacks.
In a statement, 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.
The government said it had no knowledge of the alleged incident and questioned whether Obi actually visited Makurdi, citing what it described as his previous “untrue statements” about the state.
It stated that Obi was not a threat to Governor Alia and insisted that even if security concerns arose during his visit, recognised security agencies, rather than thugs, would be responsible for addressing them.
The statement said, “Governor Alia is a peace-loving Reverend gentleman. He is averse to the promotion of thuggery. In fact, his administration does not engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.”
The government also faulted Obi for allegedly failing to formally notify relevant security authorities of his movement, saying a visit by a presidential candidate would ordinarily require security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other agencies.
It urged Obi to resolve any disagreement or political challenge within his party rather than attribute such issues to the state government.
“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists. Its attention remains firmly focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security and improving the welfare of the people of Benue State,” the statement said.
The government urged the public to disregard allegations linking the state government to the incident, stressing that Benue remained open to legitimate visitors, political actors and Nigerians who came in peace.