Thugs attack Peter Obi’s convoy, stop visit to Yelwata In Benue

Thugs block Peter Obi's convoy in Benue

Thugs in their numbers on Tuesday reportedly attacked the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway in Benue State, preventing him from visiting Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025, terrorist attack.

Obi had arrived in Makurdi, the state capital, in the morning and was on his way to Yelwata when the incident occurred.

The Benue State NDC Publicity Secretary, Agile Bem Ordedoo, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of mobilising thugs to stop Obi from reaching the community.

“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,” Ordedoo alleged.

However, the Benue State APC Publicity Secretary, Benedict Yaweh, denied the allegation, saying the party was not aware of the reported attack.

“We are not aware of the attack if truly they were attacked in Makurdi. If they were attacked, it may be from their aggrieved supporters and not APC members. We are a peace-loving party and we don’t involve in thuggery,” Yaweh said in a telephone interview.

The NDC official said Obi had planned to visit victims of the attack and present relief materials as part of efforts to support affected residents.

The June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata claimed scores of lives and displaced residents, sparking widespread condemnation and renewed calls for improved security in Benue State.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as its spokesperson, Peter Orchia Aondongu, did not respond to calls seeking clarification on the reported incident.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, has condemned what he described as a coordinated attack on the convoy of presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue state, calling for immediate prosecution of those involved.

Kwankwaso argued that the Nigerian constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement, and said that protection should carry even greater weight for someone of Obi's standing as a former governor and leading opposition figure. 

Kwankwaso wrote "Another dark day for our democracy." 

The opposition leader urged the Benue government to urgently identify and prosecute all individuals behind the alleged attack. He also called on authorities to guarantee the safety and free passage of Obi and members of his team. 

"I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State. The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy. Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure. 

The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage. I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy. 

 I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms. - RMK" 

 Kwankwaso directed a separate appeal at President Bola Tinubu, asking him to caution state governors, particularly those in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against conduct that could undermine Nigeria's democratic process.