Benue Govt Rejects Peter Obi’s Claim of Being Blocked From Yelewata

The Benue State Government has rejected claims by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that thugs allegedly working for Governor Hyacinth Alia stopped him from accessing Yelewata to sympathise with families affected by the 2025 attacks.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government described the allegation as unfounded, saying Governor Alia’s administration does not engage, patronise or deploy thugs for governance or security.

The government said Obi’s visit, if it took place, should have been properly coordinated with security agencies, adding that any security concerns would be handled by recognised authorities rather than political thugs.

It further urged the public to disregard claims linking the state government to any incident involving Obi, stressing that the Alia administration remains focused on good governance, security and the welfare of Benue residents.