By Kolawole Ojebisi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has expressed concerns over the escalating insecurity in the state stressing that he cannot guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting the state without his knowledge or clearance.
The governor issued the warning in a statement on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, titled, “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”
Alia cautioned that anyone planning to visit Internally Displaced Persons camps in the state must first seek approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency.
The statement read, “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today.
“He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”
He also warned against visits that could result in political gatherings without prior approval, urging security agencies and the public to take note and maintain peace and order.
He added, “For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed.
“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA.
“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.”
There are speculations that the Benue governor is issued the warning ahead of an unscheduled visit of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state.
Obi, who regularly visited Benue during the tenure of former Governor Samuel Ortom, is said to be expected in Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday.
Sources revealed that Obi is also scheduled to visit the Tiv paramount ruler, HRM Tor Tiv, Professor James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, as well as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abagena, Udei, Guma Local Government Area.
