Get Guardian on GoogleBenue govt denies plot to disrupt visit
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has promised that his government would not condone the kidnapping and killing of innocent Nigerians.
Obi spoke yesterday at a town hall meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, assuring that his government would tackle insecurity head-on.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has denied allegations that it planned to disrupt the NDC presidential candidate’s visit.
Describing the allegation by the party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, as false and baseless, it accused the NDC of attempting to create the impression that any disruption during Obi’s visit would be the government’s responsibility.
THE NDC presidential candidate, accompanied by his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, visited the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and the Yelewata community, where he condoled with residents over last year’s massacre of 271 persons.
In Yelewata, Obi knelt at the monument erected in honour of the victims of the June 2025 massacre, saying that if elected, his government would top acts of killing and kidnapping.
Obi also promised to build a better society for the youths by reducing the high rate of unemployment and empowering them to venture into agriculture as well as encouraging entrepreneurship.
“When you finish school, we will ensure you start your own business or get a job,” he said. “We assure you of our commitment to engage the youths. Youth unemployment is highly unacceptable.
“We will empower the youths through agriculture. We will build a society where a child of the poor will be allowed to become somebody.”
We will fight corruption; we will invest in health and education. We will remove Nigeria from a consumption to a production nation.”
IN a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, the government described the allegation as “speculation dressed up as fact,” saying the NDC was preparing the ground for a possible disruption to subsequently blame the government.
The government insisted that Benue remained open to visitors from across the country, including politicians seeking support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also cautioned the NDC against using the visit, which is expected to include activities relating to the victims of the Yelwata tragedy, for political publicity.
Urging the NDC to ensure that its supporters and associates conduct themselves peacefully, the government further appealed to residents to disregard what it described as false allegations and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
