Catholic Priest Blasts Alia for Blocking Obi’s IDP Visit

Catholic cleric, Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has openly criticized Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for allegedly preventing Labour Party’s Peter Obi from visiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in April 2025.

The outcry follows the killing of over 200 villagers in recent attacks across the state.

Fr. Ugwu expressed frustration over what he called Governor Alia’s failure to act decisively in the face of worsening insecurity. He recalled that in April, Obi was reportedly denied access to IDP camps by security operatives. Governor Alia, during a TV interview, claimed Obi did not follow due protocol and his intentions were unclear.

Ugwu questioned this explanation. He argued that the governor, also a Catholic priest, had no justification for stopping Obi, especially if the federal government wasn’t directly involved in the decision.

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“The governor must take responsibility,” Ugwu said. “He cannot keep shifting blame when lives are being lost under his watch.”

In a viral video that surfaced recently, security agents were seen escorting a herd of cows in Benue. Fr. Ugwu used this to underscore the perceived irony in the state’s priorities. According to him, while animals receive protection, the same effort isn’t made to safeguard human lives and property.

He condemned the reliance on the federal government for local security matters and urged Governor Alia to take urgent, proactive steps to stem the violence plaguing the state.

The priest’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on governance, accountability, and the protection of displaced citizens in Nigeria’s troubled regions.

 

Content Credit: Dada Blessing

Image Credit: Daily post.com