Gov Alia: I Can’t Guarantee Safety of Visitors Without My Approval Amid Rising Insecurity, Corruption in Benue
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued a controversial warning, stating that he cannot guarantee the safety of any individuals or groups entering the state without his express permission. The announcement, made through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, raises serious questions about the prevailing state of insecurity and administrative opacity in the state.
In a statement titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State”, the governor emphasized that all visits, particularly to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, must receive written approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA). According to him, unauthorized visits, especially by politicians or advocacy groups, could lead to security breaches and should be reconsidered.
“He [Governor Alia] 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.
This move, critics argue, reflects a growing atmosphere of political control and insecurity rather than a transparent and welcoming governance structure. Observers have noted that the governor’s stern tone may be less about coordination and more about shielding his administration from scrutiny, especially concerning the conditions in IDP camps and the use of state resources.
Insecurity Reigns Amid Administrative Silence
Governor Alia’s statement has drawn attention to the ongoing deterioration of security across Benue, a state long plagued by violent attacks, especially between armed herders and local communities. Thousands remain displaced, and many IDP camps are underfunded, overcrowded, and lacking in basic amenities.
Rather than addressing these systemic issues with openness and collaboration, the governor appears to be tightening control over who can access and report on the reality on the ground. Analysts suggest this may be an attempt to suppress independent assessments of both the humanitarian crisis and the alleged mismanagement of funds intended for IDP welfare.
Concerns Over Transparency and Corruption
Civil society groups have raised alarm over persistent allegations of corruption within BSEMA and other state agencies, particularly regarding the disbursement of federal and international relief funds. The lack of transparency around IDP management and relief supply distribution continues to breed mistrust among residents and donors alike.
The governor’s insistence on written approval for visits to IDP camps has been criticized as a bureaucratic bottleneck that discourages accountability. Some fear that the directive could be used to block journalists, NGOs, and opposition voices from uncovering irregularities within the camps.
A Call for Openness, Not Isolation
In a state already suffering from poverty, displacement, and violence, critics argue that Benue needs more transparency and cooperation—not isolation. Governor Alia’s warning could signal a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism if it becomes a tool for silencing dissent and avoiding scrutiny.
Rather than threatening the safety of unapproved visitors, many argue that the state should instead focus on securing all of Benue’s borders, addressing the root causes of violence, and opening its doors to well-meaning partners and organizations.
As insecurity continues to challenge lives and livelihoods, the people of Benue—and the nation—deserve a leadership that welcomes support, not one that wields permission as power.
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