The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has alleged that thugs prevented him from reaching Yelwata community in Benue State, where hundreds of people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.
Obi’s media office, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the former Anambra State governor arrived in Benue at about 9am to visit victims and families affected by the killings but was stopped from proceeding to the community.
According to the statement, the youths, who were allegedly armed with dangerous weapons, blocked Obi’s movement while chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
The media office further alleged that the group was led by an aide to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
Obi, who also addressed the incident in a post on his X handle, said his visit was not politically motivated but intended to sympathise with families who lost loved ones and listen to their experiences.
“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” Obi said.
He expressed concern that a visit aimed at showing compassion and discussing ways of preventing further tragedies could be obstructed.
“It is most worrisome that a visit meant solely to show solidarity, support, and compassion, and to hear from the victims and their families about how we can prevent such tragedies in future, could be obstructed in this manner,” he added.
Obi said the incident was particularly troubling at a time when Nigerians should be united in mourning victims of violence and working to prevent further loss of lives.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions,” he said.
He called for stronger protection of citizens, saying Benue residents and Nigerians generally deserved to live without fear while travelling, farming and going about their daily activities.
“Above all, they deserve to live in a country where the government prioritises the protection of human life above every political consideration,” Obi said.
Although he was unable to reach Yelwata, the NDC candidate said he remained committed to supporting the affected community and pursuing solutions to insecurity.
“Although we could not reach the community today, our hearts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” he said.
Obi added that his political movement would continue to push for what he described as the government’s fundamental responsibility to protect the lives of Nigerians.
The statement was signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr of the Peter Obi Media office and dated September 8, 2026.
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