Peter Obi Benue convoy attack sparks NDC condemnation as the party demands a probe, while the Benue Government denies involvement in the incident
Peter Gregory Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, was prevented from reaching Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after youths reportedly blocked his convoy, prompting the NDC to condemn the incident and demand an investigation.
Also read: Peter Obi Condemns Benue Convoy Blockade as ‘Unacceptable’
Obi had travelled to Benue to visit families affected by the June 13, 2025 attack in Yelwata, where more than 200 people were killed. He said he arrived in the state at about 9am and intended to offer condolences and solidarity to the affected families.
According to the NDC, suspected thugs armed with dangerous weapons blocked Obi’s convoy and prevented the former Anambra State governor from proceeding to Yelwata.
The party alleged that an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia led the group.
The allegation has not been independently established, and the Benue State Government has rejected any suggestion that it organised or supported the obstruction.
Obi said the individuals blocking his route repeatedly chanted, “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,” Obi said.
The NDC described the alleged obstruction as particularly troubling because of the humanitarian purpose it attributed to Obi’s visit. National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said the party would not be deterred by the incident.
“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our presidential candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” Director said.
The party subsequently called on the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure the safety of political leaders and citizens visiting communities affected by violence.
Peter Obi Benue convoy attack has, however, produced competing accounts over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government said it had no prior knowledge of Obi’s visit and denied directing anyone to obstruct his movement.
Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, said the government would ordinarily expect notification of a visit by a presidential candidate so that appropriate security arrangements could be made.
“We are not aware of his coming to the state,” Tersoo said.
The state government also questioned the circumstances surrounding the visit and described allegations linking it to the obstruction as unfounded.
It suggested that the episode could have arisen from internal political issues rather than state action.
The police account provides another important piece of the developing picture.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu confirmed that youths had blocked Obi’s convoy and said the command had begun investigating why the group stopped the movement.
Nwadiogbu said police personnel had provided security for Obi’s movement to Yelwata after being informed that the visit was intended to allow him to commiserate with victims of the 2025 attack rather than conduct a political campaign.
The disagreement over prior notification has therefore become a central part of the controversy.
While the NDC says Obi was obstructed during a humanitarian visit, the Benue Government maintains that it was not informed beforehand and denies responsibility for the blockade.
Videos circulated online appeared to show youths surrounding and chasing the convoy along the Gboko-Makurdi road.
The footage has intensified attention around the incident, although the identity and affiliations of all those involved have not been independently established.
Obi’s visit was connected to one of the most devastating episodes of violence in Benue in recent years.
The June 2025 Yelwata attack resulted in the deaths of scores of residents and displaced many others, making the community a poignant symbol of the security challenges confronting the state.
The incident also comes as political activity begins to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Obi, who previously contested the 2023 presidential election, is now seeking the presidency under the NDC banner.
The episode has drawn criticism beyond the NDC. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo said the development should not form part of Nigeria’s democratic culture, while other political figures also condemned the reported blockade.
For the moment, the police investigation is expected to establish what happened, who organised the roadblock and whether any political actors were involved.
Also read: Peter Obi Condemns Benue Convoy Blockade as ‘Unacceptable’
The competing claims underline the need for a transparent inquiry, particularly given that Obi’s stated purpose was to visit families affected by a deadly attack. For communities in Benue that continue to face insecurity, the controversy has also renewed questions about whether political differences can be set aside when public figures visit victims of violence.
