Atiku condemns attack on Peter Obi in Benue, urging authorities to investigate the reported obstruction and protect political leaders from intimidation
Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has condemned the reported attack on Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in Benue State, after suspected thugs allegedly blocked Obi’s convoy during a humanitarian visit to Yelwata.
Also read: Aisha Yesufu Condemns Blockade of Peter Obi in Benue
Atiku described the incident as unacceptable and called on the relevant authorities to establish what happened, identify those responsible and ensure the safety of political leaders.
Obi travelled to Benue on Tuesday to visit families affected by the deadly attacks in Yelwata. His convoy was reportedly stopped before he could reach the community.
The incident has generated political concern, particularly because Obi said his visit was intended to offer condolences and solidarity to families who lost relatives in the violence.
In a statement signed by Kenneth Okonkwo, his official spokesperson, Atiku said he “strongly condemns the violent attack on Peter Obi”.
He said Obi was “brutally prevented from reaching bereaved families of Yelwata, Benue State, to offer his condolences over the persistent terrorist attacks on them.”
Atiku described the reported incident as “unacceptable, anti-democratic and deeply shameful”.
He urged the authorities to “investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the safety and freedom of political leaders to carry out their duties without intimidation.”
The condemnation came amid conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of Obi’s visit.
The NDC alleged that armed suspected thugs blocked Obi’s convoy and prevented him from entering Yelwata.
The party also called for an investigation and said the reported obstruction would not deter Obi from engaging with communities affected by insecurity.
The Benue State Government, however, denied sponsoring the alleged political thugs and said it was unaware that Obi would be visiting the state.
The police have also confirmed that youths blocked Obi’s convoy and said investigations would be conducted to determine what led to the confrontation.
Yelwata remains associated with one of Benue’s most devastating recent episodes of violence.
More than 200 people were reportedly killed in an attack on the community in June 2025, while many residents were displaced.
Obi’s visit therefore took place against a sensitive backdrop, with questions over security, political access and the treatment of communities affected by violence likely to remain central to the aftermath.
Atiku’s intervention also adds to a growing chorus of condemnation from political figures over the reported incident.
The development comes as parties and presidential contenders begin positioning themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
For now, attention is expected to focus on the investigation into the confrontation and whether anyone will be held responsible for preventing Obi from completing his planned visit to Yelwata.
Also read: Aisha Yesufu Condemns Blockade of Peter Obi in Benue
The competing accounts have also underscored the need for authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide clarity on the circumstances that led to the blockade.
