By James Kwen, Paul Uwadima, Samson Elijah, Abuja, and Aza Msue, Makurdi
Uproar yesterday followed an attack on the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway in Makurdi, Benue State, by suspected thugs who prevented him from travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025 terrorist attack.
Obi, who arrived in Makurdi at about 9 a.m., was on his way to Yelwata when the incident occurred.
He accused the state governor’s Special Assistant on Youths of masterminding the attack and blocking his visit to the affected community.
“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, listen to families who have lost loved ones and offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” Obi said.
He said the incident was unfortunate at a time when Nigerians should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life.
Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the NDC; the party’s deputy governorship candidate in Benue State, Dr Raymond Edoh; and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) all condemned the incident and called for an investigation.
However, the Benue State Government denied Obi’s allegation that thugs working for the government blocked him from accessing Yelwata.
Police Confirm Attack
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said the reason Obi’s convoy was blocked was unknown.
“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,” Aondongu said.
Alia Denies Allegation
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia described Obi’s allegation as unfounded and an attempt to drag him and the Benue State Government into what could be an internal political dispute within the NDC.
Alia said Obi was not a threat to him and insisted that his administration did not engage, patronise or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.
“Even if he actually visited the state, and we realised that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs,” the statement said.
The governor also questioned whether Obi had formally informed the state government and security agencies of his visit, saying such notification was necessary for adequate security coordination.
He said Obi should resolve any internal political disagreements within his party rather than attribute them to the state government.
“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists. Its attention remains firmly focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security and improving the welfare of the people of Benue State,” the statement added.
