Benue Govt Denies Blocking Peter Obi in Yelewata, Accuses Him of Spreading Lies Against Gov Alia
The Benue State Government has strongly rejected allegations by Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi that he was prevented from visiting Yelewata by thugs allegedly working for the state government.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, the government described the claims as “unfounded” and a “desperate attempt to drag Governor Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the NDC.”
The government said it has no idea what Mr. Obi is talking about, and questioned whether the visit to Makurdi even took place.
“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about,” the statement read.
“Based on his antecedents of making untrue statements against the state, we have every reason to doubt whether he visited Makurdi, the state capital today.”
The CPS further stated that Governor Alia is a “peace-loving Reverend gentleman” who does not engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.
According to the statement, the Alia administration relies solely on recognized security agencies to maintain law and order across Benue.
“Let it be known that Mr. Peter Obi is not a threat to Governor Alia in any way. Even if he actually visited the state, and we realized that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs,” Kula said.
The government also questioned the protocol of the alleged visit, saying it was curious that a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without formally informing relevant security authorities such as the Commissioner of Police.
The statement accused Mr. Obi of attempting to link every fabrication to the Benue State Government and Governor Alia.
“If Mr. Obi is confronted with disagreements or internal political challenges within his party structure in Benue State, those issues should be resolved within the party rather than being conveniently transferred to the State Government,” it added.
The Alia administration said it will not be distracted and remains focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security, and improving the welfare of Benue people.
The government urged the public to disregard the allegations and reiterated that Benue “remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.”
Background
Mr. Obi had earlier claimed he was blocked from accessing the Yelewata community to console families affected by the 2025 attacks. Yelewata in Guma LGA has been one of the communities impacted by insecurity in Benue in recent years.
