Why I Turned Peter Obi Back From Visiting IDP Camps In Benue—Governor Hyacinth Alia

Why I Turned Peter Obi Back From Visiting IDP Camps In Benue

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has explained the reasons he turned Peter Obi back from visiting Internally Displaced Person,IDPs Camps, in Benue State.

On April 14, 2025, Peter Obi was barred from entering Benue State Benue state by the State government.
Peter Obi had originally planned to visit both Benue and Plateau States to show support for various causes, including health education and assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

However, the governor, in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo distanced himself and his administration from Peter Obi’s visit to Benue state.

Explaining what transpired, Obi said that before that April 14, he reached the governor’s aide, who informed him that Alia was in an important meeting and would return his call later that day. However, no communication followed for several days.

On the morning of his intended visit to Benue, Obi said he left Jos but was stopped by his security team around Akwanga after they received a press release attributed to the Benue State Government, which appeared aimed at halting his trip.

Obi expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that his visit was purely humanitarian and focused on uplifting the lives of those in need, particularly those affected by recent crises.

He reflected on how he had sought permission from former President Goodluck Jonathan to visit Haiti during its earthquake crisis, highlighting his longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes.

Obi stressed that a unified Nigeria, where collective welfare is prioritized over political disputes is essential for progress.

Reacting on Wednesday when he appointed music legend, Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach, governor Alia emphasized the need for due process in any official engagements especially visits.

Making allusion to the botched visit by Peter Obi, governor Alia thanked Innocent Idibia for following due process.
“Thank you for following up on the protocol. In our camps we have the support of the international community, and there is an international standard.

“People abuse everything nowadays, and people politicise everything, including insecurity for some reason.

“So when you want to come and visit the IDPs, it is a very welcome idea, but we need to know who goes in and out of the camps.

“They have been traumatised enough, so we need to protect them. Some members in the open space out there do not understand this. They feel it is an open house you just walk in and out, ” Alia said.