Suspected thugs on Tuesday allegedly attacked the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, forcing his campaign team to retreat from an entry route into the state.
The incident occurred along Boko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base shortly after Obi’s convoy arrived in Benue.
The development was disclosed by Esther Umoh, Obi’s campaign photographer, who posted videos of the incident on X.
The Benue Police Command said it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and blockade of the convoy of the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway in Makurdi on Tuesday.
The Command confirmed that some youths blocked Obi’s convoy as he travelled to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area but said it was yet to establish the reason for their action.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said police operatives had provided security for Obi’s movement to Yelwata when the incident occurred.
Aondongu said the Command was aware of the development and was monitoring the situation while investigating the circumstances surrounding the blockade.
“We can confirm that the Police are aware of the incident involving Peter Obi’s movement to Yelwata. Police operatives provided security for the movement. The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown.
“We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates will be provided accordingly,” he said.
Obi had arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Tuesday morning and was travelling to Yelwata when the incident occurred.
The NDC presidential candidate was scheduled to visit communities affected by the June 13, 2025 terrorist attack, condole with victims’ families and express solidarity with residents still affected by the tragedy.
Reacting to the incident, vice presidential candidate of the NDC, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemned the attack, and called on the international community for protection of opposition leaders.
Kwankwaso, in a statement via his X handle, expressed deep concern over the mobilization of unruly elements against opposition political leaders, stressing that constitutional rights must be protected.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State.
“The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy.
“Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure.
“The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage.
“I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy.
“I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms,” he said.
Umoh had alleged on her C account that the men had blocked the road in an attempt to prevent Obi from gaining access to the state.
“We have just arrived in Benue State, where alleged sponsored thugs have blocked Boko Road by the Air Force Base, attempting to prevent Peter Obi from gaining access into the state”, she stated.
The videos accompanying her post showed a group of men gathered around the road as Obi’s convoy attempted to move through the area.
Several of the men could be seen carrying what appeared to be clubs, sticks, stones and other objects while pursuing the vehicles. Some of the objects were allegedly thrown towards the convoy as the drivers attempted to reverse and leave the area.
In another video, a detachment of policemen could be seen positioned between the convoy and the group, apparently attempting to prevent the situation from escalating.
The police presence, however, appeared insufficient to contain the crowd, as the suspected thugs reportedly breached the security line and continued pursuing the convoy.
The convoy subsequently turned back and left the area. There was no immediate indication of the extent of damage to the vehicles or whether anyone sustained injuries in the incident.
Speaking shortly after the incident, Obi said he aborted his visit to victims of last year’s Yelwata massacre following the attack.
Tuesday’s confrontation revives an earlier disagreement between Obi and the Benue State Government over his planned visit to the state in April 2025.
Obi had scheduled a humanitarian visit to Makurdi for April 14, 2025, which was expected to include courtesy calls, a visit to a nursing school in Gboko and engagements with internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The planned visit was, however, halted after the Benue State Government issued a warning against high-profile visits to the state without prior approval.
Obi subsequently expressed concern over what he described as an attempt to obstruct his humanitarian mission. According to the former Anambra State governor, he had made repeated efforts to establish contact with Governor Hyacinth Alia through the governor’s Aide-de-Camp, but received no confirmation before the state government issued its directive.
