How I Was Barred from Visiting Benue IDP Camps — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Occasion presidential candidate within the 2023 basic election, has raised issues over what he described as a deliberate try by the Benue Authorities to frustrate his humanitarian mission to the state.

Obi, who had deliberate to go to internally displaced individuals (IDP) camps and well being establishments in Benue on Monday, cancelled his journey after the federal government issued an announcement warning towards unscheduled visits, citing safety issues.

In an in depth assertion shared through his official X (previously Twitter) account, Obi expressed disappointment over what he perceived because the politicisation of charitable initiatives in Nigeria.

“I used to be stunned by the response, as my journey was geared toward supporting well being and training initiatives and visiting displaced individuals, not for political engagement,” he mentioned.

Identified Itinerary

The 63-year-old revealed that his two-day humanitarian outreach started in Plateau State, the place Governor Caleb Mutfwang warmly acquired him on Sunday.

He famous that whereas his go to to Plateau went easily, efforts to speak with Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue forward of the Makurdi leg of the journey have been unsuccessful.

“Regardless of a number of makes an attempt to succeed in him straight and thru his aides, I acquired no affirmation. Ultimately, whereas en path to Makurdi, a press assertion was issued warning towards the go to,” Obi said.

He added that the federal government’s assertion curiously referenced the precise particulars of his itinerary—info he mentioned had solely been shared with the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and native safety personnel.

“The letter referred precisely to my itinerary, which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC straight and to the safety operatives in Benue via my very own safety,” Obi mentioned.

Ordinarily, I might not have commented on this problem, as I’ve endured far worse conditions in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I attempt to do issues in a civilised and arranged method. The unfolding occasions demand that I’ve…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) April 14, 2025

Benue Authorities Reacts 

The cautionary assertion, titled “Discover Concerning Unscheduled Go to to Benue State,” was issued by Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula. It warned that people planning to go to the state with out the governor’s data accomplish that at their very own threat.

“For anybody contemplating a go to to Benue State with out the governor’s data, it’s crucial to rethink such plans, as the protection and safety of people on this regard can’t be assured,” the assertion learn.

The federal government additionally cautioned that any particular person or group intending to go to IDP camps should first search and procure written permission from the Benue State Emergency Administration Company (BSEMA), stressing that unauthorised visits might be construed as political gatherings.

“We urge safety brokers and the general public to be aware of this announcement and preserve peace and order within the state,” the assertion added.

Real Intentions

Obi emphasised that his mission was strictly humanitarian, devoid of any political undertone.

“I’m pressured to remind them, and all involved, that the aim of this journey is to help good causes in areas of crucial improvement—well being and well being training, training, and caring for our individuals in want,” he mentioned.

He pointed to his longstanding historical past of humanitarian service, each out and in of political workplace.

“That is what I’ve carried out in my non-public life for years earlier than moving into politics, and even whereas in politics, I’ve continued to take action. Everybody knew how I needed to get permission from then-President Goodluck Jonathan to go to Haiti throughout the earthquake.”

“I supposed to go to a college being constructed by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing faculty, and an IDP camp—actions that replicate my real take care of the welfare of our fellow residents.”

The previous governor lamented what he referred to as a deepening tradition of resistance to philanthropic efforts in Nigeria.

“Might God assist us as we rebuild our nation and intention to attain a brand new Nigeria the place we don’t politicise the whole lot however enable residents to exist and reside for the widespread good, particularly for the much less privileged and people in want.”

Obi additionally steered that Governor Alia, a Catholic priest and somebody he described as a “expensive youthful brother,” will not be totally conscious of the scenario.

“Ordinarily, I might not have commented on this problem, as I’ve endured far worse conditions in my political life. However the unfolding occasions demand that I begin talking out now,” he said.

“I’m not solely certain that the state governor, my expensive youthful brother—a Reverend Father I deeply respect—is conscious of this case. Having exhausted each potential means to succeed in him, I’m compelled to make use of this accessible platform to make sure my message is conveyed.”

Recurring Insecurity 

Benue State has confronted recurring violence lately, principally attributed to suspected herdsmen assaults. On February 6, six individuals have been reportedly killed within the Okpamaju and Asa communities of Otukpo Native Authorities Space, with lawmaker Kennedy Angbo stating that communities had been burnt down and plenty of displaced.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, Sewuese Anene, confirmed that at the least two individuals died within the conflict, reportedly triggered by disputes over open grazing.

Governor Alia’s administration maintains it has made vital strides in tackling the safety disaster, however assaults on farmers and native communities persist.

This isn’t Obi’s first engagement with Benue State. Throughout his 2023 presidential marketing campaign, he met with then-Governor Samuel Ortom and expressed help for the state’s dealing with of IDPs, calling for nationwide intervention in what he described as a burden Benue mustn’t bear alone.

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