RismadarVoice Reporters
September 9, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the Benue State Government have exchanged accusations following the disruption of his planned visit to the Yelwata community in the state.
Obi had travelled to Benue to sympathise with families of victims of the June 2025 Yelwata attack, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed, but his convoy was stopped by youths who barricaded a major road in Makurdi.
The former Anambra State governor alleged that suspected political thugs, allegedly acting on the instructions of a government aide, were responsible for blocking his movement. He described the incident as unacceptable and said his visit was humanitarian rather than political.
The Benue State Government, however, denied involvement in the incident, accusing Obi of failing to formally notify the government about his visit. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, said proper security coordination was necessary because of Obi’s status as a former governor and presidential candidate.
The state government maintained that it did not know the youths who blocked the road and rejected claims that it sponsored or organised the action.
The incident occurred along Gboko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, causing traffic disruption for several hours. Obi’s convoy was eventually forced to return to the airport, after which he left for Jos, Plateau State.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s visit and had deployed officers to provide security during his movement. The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said an investigation had been launched to determine why the youths blocked the convoy.
The police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, also confirmed that officers were deployed for the visit, adding that the circumstances surrounding the blockade were still being investigated.
Following the incident, Obi visited communities affected by insecurity in Plateau State, where he called on the Federal Government to take stronger action against killings and displacement.
He said the continued existence of internally displaced persons camps reflected the country’s security challenges and urged authorities to ensure displaced residents could return to their communities.
The development has drawn reactions from political groups and stakeholders, with some condemning the obstruction of Obi’s movement and calling for an investigation.
The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Aondoakaa, described the incident as an attack on democratic rights, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress demanded that those responsible be identified and prosecuted.
The controversy comes as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the lifting of restrictions on campaigns and political engagements by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
