Oyindamola Ogunbowale
The Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, planned visit to Yelwata in Benue State was cut short on Tuesday after youths blocked his convoy while he was on his way to the community.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, had travelled to the state to visit victims and families affected by the deadly attacks in Yelwata.
His convoy was reportedly obstructed along the Makurdi-Gboko Road, close to the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, as youths gathered on the road and prevented him from continuing towards Yelwata.
Footage from the scene showed a tense situation, with the youths chanting against Obi’s presence while security personnel attempted to manage the crowd.
Obi later described the incident as disturbing, insisting that his visit was humanitarian and not a campaign activity.
The former Anambra State governor questioned why anyone would attempt to stop a visitor who had come to sympathise with people affected by violence.
He also warned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used for political purposes. Obi further alleged that some of the youths involved in the obstruction had been mobilised by individuals linked to the Benue State Government.
However, the Benue State Government rejected the allegation and denied any involvement in the incident. The state government maintained that it neither organised nor sponsored the youths who blocked Obi’s convoy.
It also said it was not aware of the visit and questioned the process through which the trip was arranged.
The police, meanwhile, confirmed that they were aware of Obi’s planned movement to Yelwata and had deployed personnel to provide security for the visit.
According to the police, officers were present when the convoy encountered the youths, although the reason for the blockade remained unclear.
The situation was eventually brought under control, but Obi did not proceed to Yelwata. He returned to the airport and subsequently left the state.
The incident has sparked fresh debate, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
While Obi’s camp has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the disruption, the Benue State Government has maintained that it had no hand in the incident.
For now, the circumstances surrounding the youths’ action remain under investigation.
