Political Fury Erupts: Thugs Attack Peter Obi's Convoy in Benue, Obi Points Finger
Presidential candidate Peter Obi's convoy was allegedly obstructed by suspected thugs and security operatives in Benue State while he attempted to visit communities affected by recent terrorist attacks. Obi condemned the "unacceptable rascality," accusing youths sponsored by the state governor and an aide, while the APC denied involvement. The incident highlights concerns over political conduct and access to affected areas.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vehemently condemned the alleged obstruction of his convoy by suspected political thugs and security operatives in Benue State. The incident, which occurred along Boko Road near the Air Force Base, specifically on the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway, prevented Obi from reaching Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area. He had intended to pay a condolence visit to communities profoundly affected by recent terrorist attacks, particularly the devastating incident of June 13, 2025, which claimed scores of lives and reportedly resulted in over 200 fatalities, displacing numerous residents.
Obi, who arrived in Makurdi, the state capital, on Tuesday morning, expressed disbelief and strong disapproval over the blockade. He stated that he was informed that youths, allegedly sponsored by the state governor, had blocked the road. Later, he specified that a Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor was responsible for mobilising these youths to prevent his convoy from proceeding to Yelwata. Obi emphasized his purpose was to sympathise with the grieving families and offer support to communities grappling with insecurity and poverty, including substantial relief materials.
Speaking at the scene of the obstruction, Obi condemned the act as "unacceptable rascality." He highlighted the gravity of the ongoing killings in Benue State and argued that individuals seeking to express solidarity and condole with victims should not be prevented from doing so. "I have been standing here since. We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable," Obi remarked, further linking his visit to his broader call for economic empowerment, stating that addressing poverty and insecurity requires creating livelihood opportunities for Nigerians.
The Benue State NDC Publicity Secretary, Agile Bem Ordedoo, supported Obi's claims, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the blockade. Ordedoo alleged that "thugs in their numbers mobilised in thousands" to stop the NDC presidential candidate from entering Yelwata and delivering relief materials. Conversely, Benedict Yaweh, the Benue State APC Publicity Secretary, vehemently denied these allegations. Yaweh stated the APC was unaware of any attack and suggested that if an incident did occur, it might have been caused by "aggrieved supporters" of the NDC, asserting that the APC is a peace-loving party that does not engage in thuggery.
The alleged obstruction has raised significant concerns regarding access to violence-affected communities and the conduct of political activities within Benue State. Despite the significant disruption, Obi affirmed his commitment to the mission, stating he would return to Benue "several times" to fulfill his pledge. As of the time of initial reports, the Benue State Government had not issued a response to Obi’s allegations, nor had the Benue State Police Command's spokesperson, Peter Orchia Aondongu, provided clarification on the reported incident.