Local Government chairman criticizes ex-council boss over unapproved tour with foreign national
Local Government chairman criticizes ex-council boss over unapproved tour with foreign national
The Chairman of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, has faulted former council chairman Hon. Ayagah Francis for allegedly undertaking an unauthorized tour with a foreign national across several communities in the council area.
Hon. Ormin, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, accused Ayagah of moving through Abian, Agagbe, and Gaambe Ushin alongside a foreigner identified as Alex Barbir without securing clearance from the local government or alerting security authorities.
In a statement released on Friday, the council chairman described the visit as “irresponsible” and a “serious security concern,” especially at a time when Gwer-West faces ongoing threats from pockets of terrorism and attacks by suspected criminal herders.
He noted that the security situation in the area remains fragile, pointing out that it recently required a visit from the Commissioner of Police.
“Any movement of this nature, particularly involving a foreign national, is unacceptable given the current security climate,” he said.
Ormin questioned whether Ayagah, during his tenure as council chairman, would have allowed such unrestricted movement.
“Would he have permitted any local or foreign visitor to traverse sensitive communities without prior knowledge or a security briefing?” he asked.
The chairman also expressed concerns about the background and purpose of the foreign visitor. “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?” he queried.
While reaffirming the council’s openness to legitimate humanitarian work and assistance for internally displaced persons, Ormin emphasized that all such activities must comply strictly with due process and established 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.
Ormin warned that the council would not tolerate any movement or activity lacking proper security approval, assuring residents that the safety, authority, and dignity of Gwer-West Local Government would always be protected.
