Benue LG chair blasts predecessor over alleged unauthorized tour with foreigner, Alex Barbir

The Chairman of Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State,  Ormin Torsar Victor, has criticized a former chairman of the council, Ayagah Francis, over what he described as an unauthorized tour of communities in the area with a foreign national.

 Ormin, who also serves as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, alleged that Ayagah moved through Abian, Agagbe and Gaambe Ushin communities in the company of a foreigner identified as Alex Barbir without obtaining approval from the local government or notifying security agencies.

In a statement issued on Friday, the council chairman condemned the visit, describing it as “irresponsible” and a “serious security concern,” particularly in light of the persistent security challenges confronting Gwer-West, including attacks by suspected criminal herders and pockets of terrorism.

He noted that the local government’s security situation remains fragile, recalling that the area recently required the intervention of the Commissioner of Police.

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“Any movement of this nature, particularly involving a foreign national, is unacceptable given the current security climate,” he said.

Ormin further questioned whether Ayagah would have permitted such actions during his time as council chairman.

“Would he have permitted any local or foreign visitor to traverse sensitive communities without prior knowledge or a security briefing?” he asked.

Raising concerns over the identity and purpose of the foreign national, the chairman queried: “Who exactly is Alex Barbir? What vetting was conducted? Who authorized his visit? Which security agencies were informed? And what was his intended mission in these communities?”

While reaffirming the council’s willingness to accommodate legitimate humanitarian interventions and support for internally displaced persons, Ormin stressed that such engagements must strictly follow due process and existing security protocols.

“No genuine intention can justify bypassing lawful authority. For a former chairman, fully aware of the responsibilities of the office, to act in this manner is a clear neglect of due process and a potential threat to the safety of our citizens,” he stated.

He warned that the local government would not condone any activity or movement carried out without proper security clearance, assuring residents that the safety, authority and dignity of Gwer-West Local Government would always be safeguarded.