Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued a strong warning to individuals or groups intending to enter the state without official notification or clearance, stating clearly that the safety of such unscheduled visitors cannot be guaranteed. This development comes amid heightened security concerns and political sensitivity in the state.
In a statement released on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia cautioned against uncoordinated visits, particularly to vulnerable areas such as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. He emphasized that any visit to such facilities must receive prior approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).
According to the statement titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State,” the governor noted that he was not expecting any unannounced guests on the day of the release, as he was engaged in high-level consultations with key stakeholders to address pressing issues confronting the state. The warning appears to target political actors and organizations planning gatherings under the guise of humanitarian or civil engagements.
Governor Alia made it clear that while the state remains open to collaboration and engagement with well-meaning individuals and groups, such interactions must follow due process and be aligned with existing security protocols. He stated unequivocally that any visit lacking official endorsement or coordination with relevant state agencies may pose security threats and would be regarded with suspicion.
“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,” the statement read in part. He added that this directive is particularly important in order to avoid visits that might inadvertently result in politically motivated gatherings capable of disrupting public peace.
Furthermore, the governor urged security agencies and the general public to take note of the directive and remain vigilant to prevent any form of disorder. He reiterated that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect the lives and property of residents, and that achieving this requires coordinated efforts, not spontaneous movements by external actors.
Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has been grappling with persistent insecurity, including farmer-herder clashes and attacks on rural communities, which have led to the displacement of thousands. The IDP camps scattered across the state are not only under strain but are also highly sensitive areas requiring regulated access to prevent further trauma and ensure the safety of both occupants and visitors.
Governor Alia’s administration has been vocal about its commitment to restoring peace and facilitating the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes. However, he insists that any form of external engagement, especially in humanitarian sectors, must be channeled through the appropriate state organs to avoid compromise of security protocols or politicization of relief efforts.
With the new directive, it is expected that civil society organizations, political actors, and aid agencies intending to work within Benue will comply with the requirement to liaise formally with the government. This move, while drawing some criticism, is seen by supporters as a necessary step in asserting control over state affairs and ensuring accountability in crisis management operations.
