The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has cancelled a scheduled humanitarian visit to Benue State, following a cautionary statement issued by the state government, which raised security concerns and warned against unsanctioned visits.
Obi, who had planned to tour internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and health institutions in Benue on Monday, expressed disappointment at what he described as the politicisation of charitable acts. He said the situation reflected a troubling trend in Nigeria where genuine humanitarian efforts are increasingly viewed through a political lens.
The Benue State Government, through a statement released by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, warned that the governor was not informed of Obi’s visit and could not guarantee his safety.
“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.
It also stressed that visits to IDP camps require written approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, warning that unscheduled trips could be interpreted as political gatherings.
Reacting via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Obi clarified that the visit was part of a broader humanitarian outreach that began in Plateau State, where he was warmly received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on April 13. He noted that despite several efforts to reach Governor Alia directly and through aides, he received no confirmation—only for a press statement to emerge while he was en route to Makurdi.
“I was taken aback by the reaction, as my trip was aimed at supporting health and education initiatives and visiting displaced persons, not for political engagement,” Obi said.
He revealed that the details of his itinerary—which matched those mentioned in the government’s statement—had only been shared with the governor’s aide-de-camp and local security operatives, further fueling his concern over how the information was handled.
Obi emphasised his long-standing commitment to humanitarian efforts both in and outside political office, including international missions such as his intervention during the Haiti earthquake crisis. He added that in Benue, his intention was to visit a school project by a bishop, a nursing institution, and an IDP camp in Gboko.
“I have undertaken similar missions across the country and even outside it. My intention in Benue was purely humanitarian and devoid of any political motives,” he stated.
The former Anambra governor lamented the culture of resistance to support for the vulnerable, saying, “We must build a new Nigeria where we do not politicise everything, but live and act for the common good, especially for the less privileged.”
Traditional Rulers in Gwer West Warn Against Land Cession to Herders
Meanwhile, traditional rulers in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State have issued a stern warning against any negotiation with herders to cede ancestral land in the region.
The resolution came after an extraordinary expanded sitting of the Gwer West Traditional Council, chaired by the Ter Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse, at his palace in Naka. The meeting followed a wave of violent attacks by suspected herders, which led to the destruction of the monarch’s palace, the local government secretariat, and private properties by angry youths.
In a communique signed by community leaders and traditional rulers, the council condemned the unrelenting violence by armed herders across 15 council wards and urged the government to sustain its support in pushing back the attacks.
The statement also charged youths to mobilise in defense of their lands, rejecting any attempt to surrender territory under the guise of peaceful co-existence or negotiation.
“Nobody is allowed to negotiate with herders to cede land, co-existence, or strike any deal on behalf of the people of Gwer West. Any person found wanting in this regard shall be handed over to law enforcement agents,” the communique declared.
The traditional leaders praised the efforts of security agents but urged greater action and vigilance. They also called on local chiefs to fully assert traditional authority and protect their people.
In addition, the council called on the youths to apologise to the Ter Tyoshin for the destruction of his palace and other properties during earlier protests.
The events in Benue reflect a volatile mix of insecurity, political tension, and humanitarian concerns that continue to plague the state amid national calls for unity, reform, and grassroots support.