Peter Obi Says Thugs Chanted ‘Go Back’ As They Blocked His Convoy In Benue | Sahara Reporters
Obi, however regretted that because of the hostile action he could not reach his destination, he vowed to continue to work until the primary responsibility of government, which is safeguarding of every Nigerian life is restored.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has accused hired thugs of blocking his convoy and obstructing a humanitarian visit to Benue State on Tuesday.
In a statement personally signed and shared on his X handle, Obi said he arrived in the state at about 9:00 a.m. on a solidarity visit to grieving families in Yelwata, where an attack he described as horrific left hundreds of people dead.
“Regrettably, our convoy was prevented from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’ It was deeply distressing to witness such hostility,” Obi stated.
He added, “I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow.”
While condemning the political hostility surrounding the relief visit, Obi, stressed that national security and human life must take precedence over partisan politics.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions,” he added. “The people of Benue—and all Nigerians—deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to cultivate their land without fear.”
The former Anambra State governor noted that prior to his Benue trip, he had attended the inauguration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s national campaign office in Abuja to advocate for “decency over partisanship” and promote civil engagement across political divides.
“Yesterday, I attended the opening of the national campaign office of an opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde in Abuja,” he said.
“My presence was intended to demonstrate that politics can and should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility. As Governor of Anambra State, I made it a point during electioneering to welcome visiting opposition members personally, provided they acted within the ambits of the law.”
Obi, however regretted that because of the hostile action he could not reach his destination, he vowed to continue to work until the primary responsibility of government, which is safeguarding of every Nigerian life is restored.
“Although we were unable to reach the community today, our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community. We shall continue to work until the primary responsibility of government – the safeguarding of every Nigerian life – is restored. Until then, we cannot truly say we have built the nation our people deserve.”
SaharaReporters had earlier published video footage and statements from Obi’s campaign team condemning what it described as aggression against the presidential candidate during his visit to Benue State.
In the video clips seen by SaharaReporters, armed police personnel and other security operatives were seen blocking the main dual carriageway leading from the airport into Makurdi with heavy articulated trucks, including a haulage trailer inscribed “MERCIFUL GOD.”
The security operatives reportedly prevented Obi from trekking past the barricades to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in camps across the state. His campaign photographers and aides subsequently accused state actors of restricting his movement for political reasons.
The disruption came amid heightened tensions in Benue following the Yelwata massacre, in which dozens of agrarian villagers were killed by armed attackers, while thousands of others were displaced into IDP camps.