On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi was prevented from entering a Benue State community by a group of armed men.
Witnesses said the attackers, reportedly led by an aide to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, blocked Obi’s movement into the village where hundreds had previously been killed.
The group was said to carry dangerous weapons and stood between Obi and the affected community, forcing the candidate to abandon the visit. Local residents and party sources described the incident as an organized effort to stop Obi from meeting families and assessing the aftermath of the violence.
Authorities and political leaders have not yet released a full account of the confrontation. The NDC condemned the obstruction and called for a transparent investigation into who ordered the action and why the armed group was allowed to operate near the site of such recent tragedy.
Explaining the situation, Obi posted on his X handle, "I arrived in Benue this morning at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred. Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
“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. 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.
"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. Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear.
"Above all, they deserve to live in a country where the government prioritises the protection of human life above every political consideration.
"Although we could not reach the community today, our hearts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community. We will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life. Until then, we cannot truly say that we have built the Nigeria we deserve. A New Nigeria Is Possible! and will come with OK."
0 comments:
Post a Comment