This post has already been read at least 1182 times!
Tension erupted in Benue State on Tuesday after a group of suspected thugs reportedly blocked the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, shortly after he arrived in the state.
The incident occurred along Boko Road, near the Nigerian Air Force Base, as Obi and members of his entourage attempted to proceed into the state for a visit reportedly connected to victims of the deadly Yelwata attack.
Videos circulating on social media and shared by Obi’s media aide and official photographer, Esther Umoh, appeared to show a large group of people blocking the road and moving towards vehicles believed to be part of Obi’s convoy. Another video reportedly showed individuals pursuing the vehicles as the convoy attempted to leave the area.
Umoh, who raised the alarm over the development, alleged that the road had been blocked by “sponsored thugs” in an attempt to prevent Obi from gaining access to the area.
“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 said in a post accompanying the footage.
Reports from the scene said some of the men were carrying sticks and other objects, while some other footages appeared to show individuals moving towards the convoy and throwing objects in the direction of the vehicles as they attempted to withdraw.
The incident has generated widespread reactions on social media, with Obi’s supporters accusing political opponents of attempting to frustrate his activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Some supporters have specifically alleged a connection between the incident and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in Benue State. However, there is currently no independent evidence establishing that the men involved were APC members or that Governor Hyacinth Alia ordered or sponsored the obstruction.
Indeed, the Benue State Government has denied involvement.
Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, said the government was unaware of Obi’s visit and rejected the allegation that the state administration could have deployed thugs to prevent the NDC candidate from entering the state.
“We are not aware whether he is in the state or not. If the Benue State Government is to stop anybody, including Peter Obi, why would the Benue State Government go and use thugs? Benue Government doesn’t do that,” Kula was quoted as saying.
Peter Obi subsequently spoke about the incident, explaining that his visit to Benue was not a campaign activity.
According to reports, the former Anambra State governor said he had gone to sympathise with people who lost loved ones in the violence in the state and to show solidarity with affected communities.
“I am in Benue not for a campaign. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives and console them, show solidarity with them,” Obi said.
He also called for greater political tolerance, urging Nigerians to reject divisive politics and work towards building the country on the principles of unity, love, justice and fairness.
The reported obstruction has nevertheless raised fresh concerns about political tolerance and the freedom of opposition politicians to move and engage with citizens as the 2027 elections draw closer.
It also comes at a time when political activities are intensifying nationwide, with Obi and other opposition figures increasingly stepping up engagements ahead of the next presidential election.
While the videos provide visual evidence of a confrontation and road obstruction involving people around Obi’s convoy, the identities of those involved, their political affiliation and who, if anyone, sponsored the action remain matters requiring further investigation and official clarification.
The police and other relevant security agencies are expected to clarify what happened, identify those involved and determine whether any criminal offences were committed during the incident.
For now, the episode has added another layer to Nigeria’s increasingly charged political atmosphere ahead of 2027.
This post has already been read at least 1182 times!
About the Author
