Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, says “hired thugs” blocked his convoy from reaching Yelwata in Benue State, where he planned to visit families affected by last year’s deadly attack.
Obi said he arrived in Benue at about 9 a.m. Tuesday for what he described as a humanitarian visit to mourn victims and offer support to families who lost loved ones in the killings.
He said his convoy was stopped by youths chanting, “Peter Obi, go back,” forcing him to abandon the visit to avoid escalating the situation.
Obi said he was particularly concerned that a visit intended to show solidarity with grieving families had been obstructed.
“I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow,” he said.
He said Nigerians should be able to travel, farm and live without fear, adding that the protection of human life should take priority over political interests.
Obi also recalled attending the opening of the national campaign office of another opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in Abuja on Monday, saying the visit reflected his commitment to political civility.
The Benue State Government, however, denied involvement in the incident and said it was not aware of Obi’s visit. It described his allegation as unfounded and accused him of attempting to drag the state government into a political dispute.
The Benue police command said it was informed of Obi’s planned visit on Monday night and deployed officers to provide security for his movement.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu said youths blocked the road but that officers managed the situation to prevent it from escalating.
Obi said although he could not reach Yelwata, his thoughts remained with the victims, their families and the wider community.
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