The Benue State Government has rejected, in the strongest terms, claims by the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, that he was blocked by thugs working for the state government from accessing Yelewata to console with families of the 2025 attacks.

The state said the allegations are unfounded and a desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

"We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr Obi is talking about," the state 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.

"Let it be known that Mr Peter Obi is not a threat to Governor Alia in any way. Even if he actually visited the state, and we realized that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs."

The state said Governor Alia is a peace-loving Reverend gentleman opposed to promoting thuggery. It said the Alia administration does not engage, patronise, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.

"He is consistently committed to the rule of law and relies on recognised security agencies to maintain peace and order across the state.

"It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement.

"Ordinarily, such a visit would attract the attention and necessary security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.

"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.

"If Mr Obi is confronted with disagreements or internal political challenges within his party structure in Benue State, those issues should be resolved within the party rather than being conveniently transferred to the State Government," the state said.

It said the Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists.

"We therefore urge the public to disregard the allegations linking the State Government to any incident that happened around the NDC Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

"Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace," it said.

ASA