Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has issued a strong warning that he cannot guarantee the safety of any individuals or groups entering the state without his prior knowledge and approval.
The governor emphasized the need for proper communication and authorization before any visit to the state, particularly those involving political gatherings or visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. He advised anyone planning such trips to first obtain permission from the relevant state authorities.
This directive was made public on Monday through a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula. The statement was titled, “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”;
The statement reads in part:
“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today. He is currently engaged in high-level meetings with key stakeholders on critical issues affecting the state.
“Therefore, he strongly discourages any group or high-profile individuals from entering the state for any form of visit that could lead to political gatherings, without obtaining prior approval.
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the governor’s knowledge, it is essential to reconsider such plans, as their safety and security cannot be guaranteed under those circumstances.
“In addition, the public should be aware that all individuals or organizations intending to visit IDP camps in Benue State must seek and obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).”;
Governor Alia called on security agencies and the general public to take note of this directive and help maintain peace and order throughout the state.
