Peter Obi’s Convoy Blocked in Benue, Triggering Political Tensions

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, was forced to abandon a planned visit to Yelwata in Benue State on Tuesday after youths reportedly blocked his convoy along the Gboko-Makurdi Road.

Obi arrived in Makurdi at about 9:00 a.m. for what he described as a humanitarian visit to families affected by the June 2025 attack in Yelwata, where more than 200 people were killed.

The former Anambra State governor said his convoy was stopped near the Nigerian Air Force Base by youths chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.” He alleged that an aide to the state government had mobilized the protesters, although the claim has not been independently verified.

The confrontation prevented Obi from continuing to Yelwata, and his convoy eventually returned towards the airport before he proceeded to Jos, Plateau State.

The Benue State Government has denied any involvement in the incident, describing allegations that Governor Hyacinth Alia or his administration sponsored the protesters as unfounded.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, said the government was not formally notified about Obi’s visit. He argued that proper notification was necessary because the state had a responsibility to provide adequate security for a high-profile visitor.

The government also rejected suggestions that the incident was politically orchestrated, saying it could not confirm the identities or affiliations of the youths who blocked the road.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s movement and had deployed personnel to provide security. Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu said officers were present during the incident and that investigations were underway to determine why the road was blocked.

The NDC maintained that security agencies had been informed about the visit and insisted that Obi was travelling to Yelwata to sympathize with bereaved families rather than conduct a campaign rally.

The party’s Benue governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, questioned why a presidential candidate would be prevented from visiting victims of a major attack after relevant security authorities had been notified.

The Yelwata killings, which occurred between June 13 and 14, 2025, attracted widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about insecurity in Benue State.

The latest incident has heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections and represents the second reported disruption to Obi’s movement in Benue, following a similar incident in April 2025.