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The Executive Chairman of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, has publicly condemned a former chairman of the council, Hon. Ayagah Francis, for facilitating what he described as an unauthorized tour of communities with an American national identified as Alex Barbir.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 1, 2026, Chairman Ormin, who also serves as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, accused the ex-chairman of moving through sensitive areas including Abian, Agagbe, and Gaambe Ushin alongside Barbir without prior notification or clearance from local government authorities or relevant security agencies.
The chairman characterized the action as irresponsible and a significant security risk, particularly given the fragile security situation in Gwer-West. He noted that the area continues to face pockets of terrorism and attacks attributed to criminal herders, a situation so serious that it recently prompted a visit from the Commissioner of Police. In such a delicate environment, any unauthorized movement—especially involving foreigners—was deemed unacceptable.
Ormin questioned whether Ayagah would have permitted similar actions during his own tenure as chairman, asking if he would have allowed anyone, local or foreign, to traverse sensitive communities without his knowledge or a proper security briefing.
A key focus of the chairman’s concerns was the identity and intentions of Alex Barbir. He raised several pointed questions: “Who exactly is Alex Barbir? What due diligence was carried out? Who cleared him? Which security agencies were informed? And what was his precise mission in these communities?”
While acknowledging social media claims portraying Barbir as a humanitarian activist, Ormin emphasized that critical details about his background, clearance, and objectives remained unanswered.
The chairman reiterated that Gwer-West Local Government remains open to genuine humanitarian support and assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and affected communities. However, he insisted that all such efforts must adhere to established due process, protocols, and security guidelines to ensure transparency and safety.
Ormin warned that no good intention justifies bypassing lawful authority. He described the incident as a clear disregard for due process by someone familiar with the responsibilities of the chairman’s office, labeling it a threat to residents’ safety.
He further stated that the local government would not tolerate any future unauthorized movements or activities lacking proper security clearance, vowing that the safety of residents would not be compromised under any pretext. The chairman called for the incident not to be repeated, affirming a commitment to defending the dignity, authority, and security of Gwer-West Local Government at all times.
This development highlights ongoing tensions in parts of Benue State between independent humanitarian initiatives and local governance requirements amid persistent insecurity. Barbir, an American who has gained attention for reconstruction projects in other areas of Benue—such as rebuilding homes in Yelewata, Guma LGA—has been praised in various social media accounts for his direct aid to communities impacted by violence, though this latest episode underscores the sensitivities surrounding foreign involvement in high-risk zones.
