The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while he was attempting to enter Benue State to commiserate with victims of terrorist attacks.
HURIWA described the incident as “lawless, reckless and provocative,” alleging that the Benue State Government failed to prevent suspected political thugs from frustrating Obi’s visit.
In a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, alleged that some of the youths involved in the blockade may have been sponsored by agents of the Benue State administration.
The organisation further alleged that the incident could have been part of an attempt to physically harm Obi, warning that such actions could heighten political tensions and trigger violence.
HURIWA specifically blamed Governor Hyacinth Alia, for allegedly allowing the incident to occur, recalling that Obi had previously sought to visit Benue to sympathise with victims of attacks but, according to the organisation, faced opposition from the state government.
“We view this lawless, reckless and misdirected angst of these sponsored unruly youngsters suspected to have been procured by the agents of the Benue State administration, as vexatious, irrational, irresponsible and provocative,” HURIWA said.
The rights group also criticised the federal government over what it described as inadequate security arrangements to guarantee Obi’s safe passage into the state.
According to HURIWA, security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of Nigerians, including freedom of movement and association, regardless of political affiliation.
“Does the Benue State Governor think that he is a military dictator so much so that he thinks he has the powers to dictate who enters Benue and who does not?” the organisation queried.
HURIWA also questioned why youths could allegedly be mobilised to block Obi’s convoy but not to assist in addressing the insecurity affecting communities across the state.
“Is it not a shame that the Benue State governor couldn’t mobilise youths and equip them with the requisite weapons to stop the incessant killings of Benue civilians by terrorists but here are the youths being used for the political assignment of blocking the road,” the group said.
The organisation urged the youths allegedly involved in the incident not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to create tension along the highway.
HURIWA recalled that a tense situation was reportedly witnessed in Benue State on Monday after a group of suspected thugs allegedly blocked Obi’s convoy along Gboko Road as he and members of his entourage attempted to gain access into the state.
Eyewitness accounts cited by the organisation indicated that some of the individuals were allegedly armed with sticks and formed a blockade along the road, preventing the convoy from proceeding.
However, details surrounding the incident, including the identities and motives of those involved and whether anyone was injured, remained unclear at the time of filing this report. Security operatives were reportedly at the scene as efforts continued to manage the situation.
HURIWA called on the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security agencies remain loyal to the Constitution and act impartially.
The organisation also urged the police to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.
HURIWA warned that political violence and attempts to restrict the movement of political figures could heighten tensions as the country approaches the next election cycle.
It maintained that political disagreements should not be used as justification for preventing any Nigerian citizen from visiting communities affected by insecurity or expressing solidarity with victims.
The group called on relevant authorities to ensure that similar incidents do not recur, stressing the need for security agencies to prevent politically motivated violence and protect the rights of all citizens.
