The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Benue State Government on Tuesday exchanged accusations over the disruption of Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, where more than 200 people were killed in an attack in June 2025.

Obi said he was prevented from reaching the community by youths who barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi. He alleged the youths were mobilised by a Special Assistant to the state government.

The state government denied any involvement and said Obi failed to formally notify it of the visit.

The incident happened near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, where protesters chanting “We don’t want Peter Obi” blocked the road for several hours. The blockade forced Obi’s convoy to turn back to the airport, after which he departed for Jos, Plateau State.

What happened

Obi travelled to Benue to condole with families of victims of the June 13-14, 2025 Yelwata attack. In a video posted by News Central Television, Obi said he was told youths led by a government aide had been deployed to stop him.

“The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable. People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to show that they are with them, and I came here all the way this morning… only to be told what you are seeing here,” he said.

NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Prof. Terhemba Shija, said the party notified the police and DSS of the visit. He insisted it was a humanitarian visit, not a campaign rally.

“Is Obi not a presidential candidate? INEC has lifted the ban on campaign and we duly informed the police and DSS about his visit to the state. They deployed police and DSS to be with us,” Shija said.

State government’s response

The Benue Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, said Obi did not write to the state government. He argued that security for a former governor and presidential candidate requires formal notification.

“A high-profile person who has been a former governor of a state is coming into the state; he should have written a letter to the state government. We are supposed to guarantee his safety and protection, but in an instance where no letter was written, we could not guarantee his safety,” Iorpev said.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, also denied government involvement. He described Obi’s claims as unfounded and an attempt to link the governor to an internal NDC matter.

“If Mr Obi is confronted with disagreements or internal political challenges within his party structure in Benue State, those issues should be resolved within the party rather than being conveniently transferred to the State Government,” Tersoo said.

Police account

Benue Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the command was notified of Obi’s visit and deployed officers, including the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, to provide security.

“I also asked the AC Operations to personally lead the men, but unfortunately, on his arrival, we heard that the youth blocked the road because they didn’t want to see him. That is the reason we are going in to find out why such conduct,” Nwadiogbu said.

Police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the reason for the blockade was still being investigated.

Reactions

PDP governorship candidate in Benue, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), condemned the blockade as an attack on democracy and constitutional rights.

Former Sokoto governor, Aminu Tambuwal, also condemned it on X, saying every candidate must be allowed to move freely and campaign without intimidation.

The NDC, through National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, called for an investigation and prosecution of those responsible. The party said Obi’s visit was to identify with victims of Yelwata.

Obi speaks in Jos

After leaving Benue, Obi visited an IDP camp in Mangu, Plateau State. He decried the continued displacement of about 45,000 people from over 20 communities and called on government to end killings and insecurity.

“As long as you are in an IDP camp, Nigeria is in an IDP camp. It is when you go home that Nigeria is at home,” he said.

Obi said his visit was not for campaign but to identify with displaced Nigerians. This was his third visit to affected communities in Plateau.