The Benue State Government has stated that it has no official record or awareness of a recent visit by Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, amid reports that his convoy was obstructed by local youths. Speaking via telephone, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, emphasized that high-profile figures such as presidential candidates are expected to coordinate with local law enforcement—including the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Civil Defence—to ensure proper security protocols are met prior to entering any state.

The administration dismissed allegations that state leadership orchestrated or condoned the youth blockade, asserting that the governor does not support thuggery and maintains that legitimate security agencies should handle any official concerns regarding high-profile movements. Pointing out that state security apparatuses were never briefed, the government questioned the validity of the reported incident, noting that a properly secured convoy of a national figure would not typically be vulnerable to civilian blockades. This event follows previous unverified claims surrounding Obi's travels to the region, prompting state officials to call for comprehensive security reports to clarify the circumstances of the alleged blockage in Guma Local Government Area.