Unscheduled Visits to Benue at Your Own Risk – Gov. Hyacinth Alia Warns

Makurdi, April 15, 2025 (Naija247news) — Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has issued a stern public advisory warning individuals and groups to steer clear of any unscheduled visits to the state, stressing that he cannot guarantee their safety.

The governor’s warning was contained in a statement released Monday, April 14, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”

According to the statement, Governor Alia is not expecting any dignitaries or political delegations in the state and is presently locked in high-level strategy sessions with key stakeholders to address pressing state matters.

“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today,” the release said. “He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”

Alia, who has repeatedly championed the safety of Benue’s citizens amidst growing security concerns, strongly warned that any visit—particularly those likely to stir political tensions—must be pre-approved by the state government.

“He strongly advises against any group or high-profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval,” the statement read. “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 governor’s office also emphasized that any individual or NGO planning to visit any Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps must first seek clearance from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).

“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state,” the statement concluded.

This move comes amid rising political intrigue in the North-Central region and follows reports of planned visits by unnamed political figures—raising speculations of possible security breaches or politically motivated gatherings.