Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has issued a strong warning against unscheduled visits to the state, stating that the safety of any individual or group arriving without prior notice cannot be guaranteed.
The warning, which was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, was titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”
According to the statement, Governor Alia emphasised that he is currently engaged in “high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state,” and was not expecting “any August visitor” to the state.
“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.
Governor Alia further warned against politically motivated gatherings or high-profile visits that have not been cleared with his office, stressing that such activities could disrupt public order.
He also issued a special caution to those intending to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state, urging them to seek official clearance from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) before embarking on such missions.
“Also, the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA,” the statement added.
The governor called on security agencies and the general public to take note of the directive and work to maintain peace and order across the state.
This development came amidst heightened political sensitivities and growing security concerns in Benue, a state long affected by communal clashes and displacement crises.
