The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia of mobilising youths who allegedly stopped his convoy from reaching Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
Obi made the allegation on Tuesday after he was prevented from proceeding to the community, where he intended to visit families affected by recent terrorist attacks.
The former Anambra State governor said his trip to Benue was primarily to sympathise with families who lost more than 200 relatives in recent attacks and show solidarity with communities facing insecurity and poverty.
According to him, the youths barricaded the road and refused to allow his convoy to proceed despite the team waiting for some time in the hope that the situation would be resolved.
“I am currently in Benue State to express my condolences to the families who have lost over 200 members to terrorist attacks in recent times. However, I have been informed that youths, led by the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, have blocked the road to prevent me from proceeding,” Obi said.
He condemned the alleged obstruction, arguing that political differences should not prevent individuals from visiting communities affected by violence to offer condolences and support.
Obi described the situation as particularly troubling in a state grappling with insecurity and economic hardship.
“We can’t have a country like this. It doesn’t make sense to me. The rascality they are bringing in this country is totally unacceptable. We must have a country,” he said.
The NDC candidate also accused political actors of using youths to frustrate his visit, warning that those participating in such activities could eventually suffer the consequences.
“They are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them. They don’t know that,” he said.
Obi said his visit was also intended to highlight the need for economic opportunities for residents, arguing that tackling poverty and insecurity requires empowering people to earn sustainable livelihoods.
“These people are hungry. These people are insecure. These are the same people we must lift out of poverty by creating opportunities for them to earn a livelihood. And that is one of the key purposes of my visit,” he said.
He expressed disappointment over his inability to reach Yelwata after travelling to Benue, but said the incident would not deter him from returning.
“Of course, I’ll come back several times,” Obi said.
Earlier, reports indicated that suspected thugs had allegedly attacked and obstructed Obi’s convoy along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway as he travelled towards Yelwata.
The incident reportedly occurred after the former Anambra governor arrived in Makurdi on Tuesday morning and proceeded towards the community to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025 attack.
The Benue State NDC Publicity Secretary, Agile Bem Ordedoo, alleged that large numbers of youths were mobilised to prevent Obi from entering Yelwata.
Ordedoo further claimed that the NDC candidate was travelling with relief materials intended for victims of the attack.
“Thugs in their numbers mobilised in thousands and stopped the presidential candidate of NDC, Mr Peter Obi, from entering Yelwata to condole with victims and offer relief materials worth billions,” he alleged.
However, the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied any involvement in the incident.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Benedict Yaweh, said the APC had no knowledge of the reported attack and dismissed claims that it mobilised supporters to block Obi’s movement.
As of the time of filing the report, the allegation that a governor’s aide organised the youths had not been independently verified.
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