By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has denied allegations by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that suspected thugs allegedly working for Governor Hyacinth Alia stopped him from accessing Yelewata to sympathise with families affected by the 2025 attacks.
The government described the allegation as baseless, insisting that Governor Alia’s administration does not engage, sponsor or deploy thugs for governance or security purposes.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, made the position known in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
Kula said the government was unaware of the incident alleged by Obi and questioned the motive behind linking the state administration to the development.
He said: “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 maintained that Obi was not a threat to Governor Alia, adding that any security concern involving the former Anambra State governor would ordinarily be handled by recognised security agencies.
“Even if he actually visited the state, and we realised that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs,” he said.
According to Kula, Governor Alia, being a peace-loving Reverend gentleman, is strongly opposed to thuggery and remains committed to the rule of law.
He stressed that the administration depends on recognised security agencies to maintain peace and order across the state.
Kula also expressed concern over what he described as the failure to properly coordinate Obi’s visit with relevant security authorities.
He said a visit by a presidential candidate would ordinarily require prior security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.
The governor’s spokesman further advised Obi to resolve any disagreement or political challenge within the NDC through the appropriate party structures rather than attributing such matters 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,” Kula stated.
He said the Alia administration would not be distracted by what he described as attempts to create political controversies where none existed.
Kula added that the government remained focused on good governance, improving security and enhancing the welfare of Benue residents.
He therefore urged the public to disregard allegations linking the state government to any incident involving Obi.
“Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace,” he stressed.
