Benue governor interrupts Peter Obi’s humanitarian mission

By Kingsley Ikechukwu

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep disappointment over the disruption of his humanitarian visit to Benue State.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the visit, which was scheduled for Monday, April 14, was part of a broader tour of Northern Nigeria aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Obi had already visited Plateau, Nasarawa, and Southern Kaduna, where he donated relief materials and encouraged displaced communities facing hardship due to insecurity and violence.

His mission, which had no political undertone, focused on meeting the basic needs of suffering Nigerians and reminding them they had not been forgotten.

According to Obi, efforts were made to inform the Benue State Government about his intended visit.

He said he tried to contact Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia directly, but received no response.

When that failed, he reached out to the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who assured him that the governor would return his call.

Days passed without a reply from Governor Alia.

It was not until the night before his trip that Obi received a message from the ADC, stating that the governor had still not responded.

Despite the lack of official communication, Obi decided to proceed with his travel plans.

He left Jos early Monday morning with the intention of heading straight to Benue to continue his goodwill mission.

However, upon reaching Akwanga in Nasarawa State, Obi’s security team halted the journey.

They had received a press statement suspected to be from the Benue State Government that warned against his visit.

The statement outlined Obi’s planned itinerary in Benue, which included stops at a nursing school, a church-led education project, and an IDP camp in Gboko.

Obi said he was shocked by the development.

He stated clearly that his mission was entirely humanitarian, with no political motive.

“This visit was to show love, not to score political points,” Obi said.

“It is disturbing that an act of kindness can be treated with suspicion and hostility,” he added.

Obi also pointed out that in all the other states he visited, he did not campaign or speak about politics.

He simply brought aid, encouragement, and a message of hope.

Nigerians across social media reacted swiftly to the news, condemning the Benue State Government for blocking the visit.

Many expressed disbelief that Governor Alia, who is a Catholic priest, would take such a step against a fellow Christian offering humanitarian assistance.

Some critics noted the irony of a clergyman-turned-governor refusing help to vulnerable citizens in a time of need.

Others questioned the moral compass of Nigeria’s political class.

“This act proves that empathy has died in our politics,” one online commenter wrote.

Peter Obi, in his response, maintained his commitment to serve those in need, with or without government cooperation.

“I will not stop,” he declared.

“We must not allow politics to kill compassion.”

He called for a society where acts of kindness are welcomed and not blocked by selfish interests.

He urged Nigerians to rise above petty divisions and support efforts that bring real help to the suffering masses.

“Let us not turn good deeds into political controversies,” Obi said.

“We are all Nigerians. These are our people.”

The incident has sparked national conversations about the role of empathy, leadership, and political rivalry in Nigeria’s democracy.

With millions displaced and in need, many wonder how any government could justify turning away help.

Peter Obi’s interrupted visit to Benue raises troubling questions but more importantly, it shines a light on the desperate need for leaders with heart.

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