Benue State Government Faces Scrutiny Amid Political Tensions: A Balanced Report

By Fanen Nyiter 

MAKURDI, Nigeria – Recent developments in Benue State have sparked debates over governance, security, and political dynamics, with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration at the center of discussions. Reports of efforts to block a planned visit by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have drawn attention, alongside ongoing challenges with insecurity and economic progress in the state.

Sources indicate that Obi, known for his humanitarian outreach to displaced communities, sought to visit IDP camps to distribute relief materials and advocate for government intervention. However, state officials reportedly advised against granting access, citing concerns over political implications amid rumors of Governor Alia’s potential defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Benue State Government has not officially confirmed these claims, and no evidence suggests a direct threat to Obi’s safety, despite social media speculation. A statement attributed to the governor emphasized general safety protocols for unscheduled visits, underscoring the state’s volatile security climate.

Benue, often called Nigeria’s “food basket,” continues to grapple with insecurity, including farmer-herder clashes and banditry, which have displaced over 1,000 households since late December 2024, according to Governor Alia. The administration has taken steps to address these challenges, including providing 100 Toyota trucks to security agencies and enrolling over 6,273 vulnerable IDPs into the state’s health insurance scheme. Recent police operations in Otukpo led to the rescue of 14 kidnapped bus passengers and the arrest of three suspects, signaling efforts to curb crime.

On the economic front, Alia’s government has announced plans for a 2025 farming campaign to boost food production, leveraging relative improvements in security to encourage farmers to return to their lands. The approval of a ₦75,000 minimum wage for state workers and the rehabilitation of water works in Otukpo have been praised by local leaders, including traditional rulers, as evidence of commitment to public welfare. The state is also raising a ₦93 billion bond to fund digital infrastructure, aiming to modernize governance and services.

However, critics argue that political maneuvering overshadows these efforts. A group, the Coalition for Civil Society in Nigeria, has linked ongoing violence to political power plays, calling for federal intervention. Allegations of judicial misconduct in local election tribunals have further fueled tensions, with some accusing the state of undermining democratic processes. The government has dismissed calls for emergency rule as “political opportunism,” asserting that Alia remains in control and focused on transformative governance.

As Benue navigates these complexities, the state stands at a crossroads. Governor Alia’s administration has made strides in addressing long-standing issues, but insecurity and political divisions continue to test its resolve. For residents, the hope is that dialogue and action will prioritize their safety and prosperity over partisan interests.

Fanen Nyiter is an independent journalist covering governance and security in North Central Nigeria.

[Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Punch Newspapers, Benue State Government statements][](https://dailypost.ng/2025/04/14/benue-govt-moves-to-block-peter-obis-visit-amid-alias-defection-rumours/)[](https://punchng.com/two-die-as-police-rescue-14-abducted-benue-bus-passengers/)[](https://punchng.com/benue-monarchs-hail-alia-for-rehabilitation-of-water-works/)