UPDATED: How hired thugs obstructed my visit to Benue State – Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that suspected political thugs prevented him from reaching Yelwata community in Benue State on Tuesday during what he described as a humanitarian visit to families affected by the recent killings in the area.

Obi disclosed the incident in a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, saying he travelled to the state to sympathise with victims and their families following the massacre in Yelwata.

According to him, the visit was motivated by compassion rather than politics.

The former Anambra State governor said his trip to Benue came a day after he attended the inauguration of the national campaign office of an opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in Abuja.

He explained that his attendance at the event reflected his belief that politics should be conducted with respect and tolerance.

“Yesterday, I attended the opening of the national campaign office of an opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde in Abuja. My presence was intended to demonstrate that politics can and should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility,” Obi said.

He added, “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 said he arrived in Benue at about 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday but his convoy was allegedly stopped before reaching Yelwata.

“Guided by that same commitment to decency over partisanship, I travelled to Benue this morning, arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m. on a purely humanitarian mission: to visit the grieving families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata, where over 270 people were massacred,” he stated.

Describing what happened, Obi said, “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. 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. That a mission intended purely to show solidarity, compassion, and support could be obstructed in this manner is deeply alarming.”

The former presidential candidate urged Nigerians to prioritise unity and the protection of lives above political differences.

“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 said.

“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. Above all, they deserve a country where the state places the protection of human life far above political expediency.”

Obi said although he was unable to reach the affected community, he remained committed to standing with the victims and advocating for improved security across the country.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

He ended the statement with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”