The Benue State Government has rejected allegations made by NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi concerning an alleged obstruction of his visit to Yelewata, warning against what it described as false claims against Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
The state government was reacting to allegations surrounding Obi’s reported attempt to visit the community and sympathise with families affected by the deadly 2025 attacks.
Obi had alleged that individuals linked to the state government prevented him from gaining access to Yelewata during his visit.
The Benue government, however, strongly disputed the allegation and called on the former Anambra State governor to refrain from making claims it described as misleading.
In its response, the government defended Governor Alia and rejected any suggestion that the administration sponsored or directed individuals to prevent Obi from visiting victims of the attacks.
The disagreement has added another layer to the growing political tension between Obi and the Benue State Government.
Obi’s recent activities in Benue have attracted considerable attention as he continues his engagements across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The dispute is particularly significant because the security situation in Benue remains a major political and humanitarian issue, with communities in different parts of the state continuing to demand stronger protection against attacks.
The state government has maintained that its administration remains committed to protecting residents and responding to security challenges.
The latest exchange also comes after separate allegations concerning an incident involving Obi’s convoy during his activities in the state.
The competing accounts have yet to produce a universally accepted version of what happened, leaving the matter at the centre of an increasingly heated political debate.