The Chairman of Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, has faulted a former chairman of the council, Hon. Ayagah Francis, over what he described as an unauthorized tour of several communities in the area with a foreign national.
Hon. Ormin, who also serves as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, accused Ayagah of moving through Abian, Agagbe and Gaambe Ushin in the company of a foreigner identified as Alex Barbir without obtaining clearance from the local government authorities or notifying relevant security agencies.
In a statement released on Friday, the council chairman described the visit as “irresponsible” and a “serious security concern,” particularly at a time when Gwer-West Local Government Area is grappling with security challenges, including threats from pockets of terrorism and attacks by suspected criminal herders.
According to Hobnob News Nigeria, Ormin noted that the security situation in the area remains fragile, recalling that it recently necessitated the intervention and visit of the Commissioner of Police.
“Any movement of this nature, especially involving a foreign national, is unacceptable given the current security climate in Gwer-West,” Ormin said.
He further questioned whether Ayagah, during his tenure as council chairman, would have permitted such unrestricted movement across communities without prior briefing or clearance from security authorities.
“Would he have allowed any local or foreign visitor to move freely through sensitive communities without the knowledge of the local government or a security briefing?” he queried.
The chairman also raised concerns about the identity and mission of the foreign visitor, demanding clarity on the processes followed before the visit.
“Who exactly is Alex Barbir? What vetting was done? Who authorized his visit? Which security agencies were informed? And what was his mission in these communities?” Ormin asked.
While reaffirming that the council welcomes genuine humanitarian interventions and assistance to internally displaced persons, Ormin stressed that all such activities must strictly adhere to due process and established security protocols.
“No genuine intention can justify bypassing lawful authority. For a former chairman, who fully understands the responsibilities and sensitivities of the office, to act in this manner amounts to a clear neglect of due process and poses a potential threat to the safety of our people,” he stated.
Ormin warned that the council would not tolerate any movement or activity within Gwer-West Local Government Area that lacks proper security approval, assuring residents that the safety, authority and dignity of the local government would continue to be protected at all times.
