Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused suspected hired thugs of preventing him from reaching Yelwata in Benue State, where he intended to visit families affected by the June 2025 killings.
Obi said he arrived in Benue at about 9am on Tuesday to meet victims and relatives of those killed in the attack, in which more than 270 people were killed, according to his statement.
He said his convoy was stopped before it could reach the community by youths chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
Obi said the visit was not political but intended to allow him mourn with the affected families, listen to their experiences and express solidarity with the Yelwata community.
“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” he said.
The NDC candidate expressed concern that a visit aimed at offering sympathy and discussing ways to prevent similar tragedies could be obstructed.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions. Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear,” Obi said.
He said Nigerians deserved a country where the protection of human life remained a priority, adding that his inability to reach Yelwata would not prevent him from continuing to advocate for improved security.
“Above all, they deserve to live in a country where the government prioritises the protection of human life above every political consideration,” he said.
According to a statement by spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Reach, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the youths who blocked the convoy were allegedly led by an aide to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and were armed with dangerous weapons.
The allegation comes after the Benue State Government said it was unaware of Obi’s visit, while police confirmed that they knew about the movement and had deployed operatives to provide security. Police said the reason the convoy was blocked remained unknown and that an investigation was ongoing.
Although he could not reach the community, Obi said his “hearts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” and pledged to continue working towards improved protection of Nigerians.
“We will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life. Until then, we cannot truly say that we have built the Nigeria we deserve. A New Nigeria Is Possible! And will come with OK.”
