The planned visit of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to Benue State took an unexpected turn on Tuesday after his convoy was reportedly stopped by a group of suspected thugs along Boko Road in Makurdi.
The incident occurred near the Nigerian Air Force Base shortly after Obi and members of his entourage arrived in the state. Videos circulating from the scene showed a crowd blocking the road as the convoy was prevented from proceeding. Some reports also showed individuals carrying sticks and other objects around the area.
Obi was reportedly in Benue to visit communities affected by recent killings and sympathise with victims and their families. Speaking at the scene, the former Anambra State governor said his visit was not for campaigning but was intended to show solidarity with people affected by the violence.
Obi also alleged that youths sponsored by the state government were responsible for preventing him from accessing the affected communities. However, the allegation had not been independently established as of the time of filing this report, while the Benue State Government had yet to publicly respond.
The incident comes amid growing concern over insecurity in Benue and other parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region. Obi has previously condemned the recurring killings in the region and called for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s road blockade, including the identities and motives of those involved, remained unclear at the time of publication.
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