Benue rejects link to blockade of Obi’s convoy

The Benue State Government has rejected allegations by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that thugs acting on its behalf prevented him from visiting Yelewata community on Tuesday.

Obi said his convoy encountered youths who mounted a roadblock along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway while he was travelling to Yelewata to sympathise with families affected by the 2025 attacks.

However, the state government denied any involvement in the incident, describing Obi’s allegation as unfounded and an attempt to draw Governor Hyacinth Alia into a possible internal political dispute within the NDC.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government said the Alia administration had no knowledge of the alleged blockade.

“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr Obi is talking about,” Kula said.

The government maintained that Obi posed no threat to Alia, adding that any genuine security concern would be handled by recognised security agencies rather than political thugs.

It said the administration remained committed to peace and the rule of law and did not “engage, patronise or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security”.

The statement also questioned the arrangements surrounding Obi’s visit, arguing that the movement of a presidential candidate would ordinarily require coordination with the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.

“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,” it said.

The government urged the public to disregard allegations linking it to the incident, saying the administration would remain focused on security, good governance and the welfare of Benue residents.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi after the incident, Obi described the blockade as disturbing and called for peaceful political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said his convoy was heading to Yelewata to console and support families affected by attacks in the community when youths blocked the road and demanded that he turn back.

Obi said he decided against forcing his way through the blockade to avoid confusion and possible danger to members of the public.

He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to intervene, describing the incident as unacceptable.

The confrontation came about a year after the Benue State Government prevented Obi from visiting internally displaced people in the state without prior approval.