Photo: Thugs confronting Obi’s convoy security
By: Mandy Park
The convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, was reportedly prevented from entering parts of Benue State on Tuesday by a group of suspected political thugs.
The incident occurred along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base, as Obi and members of his team attempted to proceed to communities affected by recent killings to pay a condolence visit to victims and their families.
According to reports, the suspected thugs, some of whom were allegedly armed with sticks, blocked the road and confronted security personnel attached to Obi’s convoy.
A video circulating on social media showed a group of youths engaging police officers and insisting that the former Anambra State governor would not be allowed to proceed into the area.
The circumstances surrounding the blockade remained unclear as of press time, while it was also not immediately known whether anyone was injured or any vehicle was damaged during the incident.
Speaking at the scene, Obi expressed outrage over the development, saying he had travelled to Benue to commiserate with communities affected by the killings and not to engage in political confrontation.
Obi alleged that the youths blocking the road were sponsored by the Benue State Government.
“I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road and made sure I do not go in,” he said.
The NDC candidate said he had remained at the location for some time while attempts were made to resolve the situation.
“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 said.
He expressed concern over the persistent violence in parts of Benue, arguing that political differences should not prevent public figures or concerned Nigerians from visiting communities affected by violence.
“People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in,” he added.
The incident comes amid continuing concerns over security and communal violence in parts of Benue State, with several communities having suffered deadly attacks in recent months.
Obi’s team said the purpose of the visit was to show solidarity with victims and affected communities and to assess the situation on the ground.
The Benue State Government had not, as of the time of filing this report, publicly responded to Obi’s allegation that persons allegedly sponsored by the governor were responsible for the blockade.
The development is particularly significant because it is reportedly the second occasion on which Obi has encountered difficulties gaining access to parts of Benue during a visit.
Further details, including the identity of those involved, the response of the state government and security agencies, and whether Obi eventually gained access to the affected communities, are expected.
This is a developing story.
