By Isaac Mission 

Fresh controversy has erupted in Benue State following the disruption of Peter Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, as political groups and civil society voices condemned the incident and called for an investigation.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had travelled to Benue to meet survivors and families affected by the deadly attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area. However, his convoy was reportedly stopped by youths who barricaded the road along the Gboko route.

Unable to proceed to Yelwata, Obi eventually turned back.

The incident has generated political reactions from across the country, with his party, his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore and other political figures condemning the development.

Obi: Humanitarian visit should not be obstructed

Speaking after the incident, Obi said he was surprised that a visit intended to express sympathy with victims of violence could be prevented.

He said his purpose was to visit communities affected by killings and offer support to grieving families.

According to him, residents who had suffered loss and displacement deserved solidarity rather than further controversy.

Obi also said the development would not stop him from travelling to different parts of Nigeria to meet citizens and assess conditions in affected communities.

He alleged that some youths involved in the blockade were acting under the influence of a government aide. However, he did not name the individual, and the allegation has not been independently confirmed.

NDC calls for investigation

The NDC condemned the incident and demanded that security agencies investigate what happened and prosecute anyone found responsible.

The party said Obi's trip was not a campaign activity but a humanitarian mission aimed at sympathising with families affected by the Yelwata killings.

It also argued that political leaders should be able to travel freely across the country without intimidation, particularly when visiting communities affected by violence.

The party maintained that the incident would not discourage it from raising concerns about insecurity and the safety of Nigerians.

Christian elders warn against political intimidation

NOSCEF described the development as troubling, warning that incidents of political intimidation could create tension ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organisation appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene if investigations establish that state officials were involved.

It stressed that political competition should not translate into hostility between rival parties or prevent politicians from moving freely.

NOSCEF also warned against the use of youths or unofficial groups to confront political opponents, saying such practices could undermine democratic participation.

The group urged young people not to allow themselves to be used for political violence, noting that politicians may leave office while the consequences of violent actions could remain with individuals and communities.

Police confirm prior knowledge of Obi’s visit

The Benue State Police Command provided a different perspective on the circumstances surrounding the visit.

Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu said the command had received information about Obi's planned trip the night before his arrival.

He said security personnel had consequently been deployed, with the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations assigned to lead the team.

Nwadiogbu said the police later received reports that youths had blocked the road and refused to allow Obi's convoy to pass.

He said officers managed the situation without allowing it to escalate and promised that the command would investigate what led to the confrontation.

The police position appears to differ from the state government's argument that Obi did not formally notify the government before arriving.

Benue Government denies involvement

The Benue State Government has rejected allegations that Governor Hyacinth Alia or his administration sponsored the blockade.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula, described the accusations as unfounded and insisted that the government had no involvement in the incident.

He said there would have been no reason for the administration to deploy thugs against Obi, whom he said did not pose any political threat to the governor.

Kula suggested that the confrontation could have stemmed from issues within Obi's political camp, while maintaining that Benue remained open to visitors and political figures.

The state's Commissioner for Information, Culture and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, also argued that Obi should have formally informed the state government before undertaking the visit.

According to him, advance notification would have enabled the authorities to make appropriate arrangements for the former governor's protection.

Iorpev, however, said he could not identify the youths responsible for blocking Obi's convoy.

Kwankwaso warns of dangerous consequences

Obi's running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemned the incident and warned that restricting opposition politicians could create serious political instability.

Speaking in Abuja, Kwankwaso said every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, should be free to travel to any part of the country.

He expressed concern that continued political intolerance could push the country towards anarchy.

Kwankwaso also urged governments to focus on performance rather than attempting to restrict the activities of political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aondoakaa and Sowore condemn incident

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and former PDP governorship candidate in Benue, Michael Aondoakaa, described the blockade as an attack on democratic principles.

He argued that freedom of movement and political participation are fundamental rights that should not depend on political affiliation.

He called for an impartial investigation and urged authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable.

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also condemned the incident, warning that violence, intimidation and political thuggery should have no place in Nigeria's electoral process.

He maintained that political candidates must be allowed to move, campaign and engage citizens freely across the country.

Obi takes humanitarian mission to Plateau

Although his planned visit to Yelwata was cut short, Obi continued with his humanitarian activities by travelling to Plateau State.

He arrived at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Haipang before proceeding to Mangu Local Government Area, where communities have also suffered deadly attacks and destruction of property.

Obi met local leaders, residents and affected families as part of his effort to understand the security situation and hear directly from victims.

The Plateau visit came shortly after his Benue convoy was stopped and underscored his earlier declaration that the incident would not prevent him from travelling across the country.

As political reactions continue to grow, attention is now likely to focus on the police investigation and whether anyone will be held responsible for the disruption of Obi's movement in Benue.