RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
A letter obtained by a journalist indicates that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) notified the Benue State Police Command ahead of the planned visit of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state.
The development contradicts the initial position of the Benue State Government that neither the government nor security agencies were informed about Mr Obi’s visit.
Mr Obi’s visit to Benue on Tuesday was disrupted after suspected political thugs reportedly blocked his convoy from accessing the state.
The incident sparked allegations that the state government may have been involved in obstructing the visit, although the claim has not been established.
The state government had earlier explained that it could not make adequate security arrangements for Mr Obi because it was unaware of his planned visit.
Kula Tersoo, spokesperson to Governor Hyacinth Alia, said neither the governor nor the state government had been informed about the visit.
Mr Tersoo also said a visit by a presidential candidate would ordinarily require prior notification to relevant security agencies to facilitate adequate protection.
A letter shared by Mr Obi’s spokesperson, Valentine Obienyem, on Facebook shows that the NDC formally notified the Benue Commissioner of Police on 7 September, a day before the scheduled visit.
The letter was signed by the NDC Chairman in Benue State, Ohini Ojegbe, and acknowledged by a police officer identified as Daniel Tarwa on the same day.
Mr Tarwa, a superintendent of police, subsequently confirmed that the command received the letter and provided security for Mr Obi during his movement.
In the letter, Mr Ojegbe informed the police that Mr Obi was expected to arrive in Makurdi at about 8 a.m. on 8 September before proceeding to Yelwata.
The planned visit was to enable the presidential candidate to meet families and community representatives affected by the 2025 massacre in the area.
The NDC chairman also informed the police that Mr Obi would visit the memorial site to pay tribute to the victims and lay a wreath in their honour.
According to the letter, the visit was expected to be brief, with Mr Obi and his entourage scheduled to leave Yelwata and Benue State before noon.
The NDC consequently requested the police to provide security cover for the candidate and his entourage.
The document and the police confirmation appear to contradict the Benue State Government’s earlier claim that security agencies were not notified ahead of Mr Obi’s visit.
