Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, says his visit to Yelwata in Benue State was stopped on Tuesday after youths blocked the road and prevented his convoy from reaching the community.
Obi said he travelled to Benue on Tuesday morning to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in the 2025 attack.
According to him, he arrived in the state at about 9am and was heading to the community when his convoy was stopped by youths chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
“Regrettably, our convoy was prevented from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’ It was deeply distressing to witness such hostility. I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow. That a mission intended purely to show solidarity, compassion, and support could be obstructed in this manner is deeply alarming,” he said.
Videos shared by Obi alongside his statement showed a group of youths occupying the road as his convoy was prevented from moving forward. In one of the videos, Obi is heard addressing the situation as the youths remained on the road.
The former Anambra State governor said the purpose of his visit was humanitarian and not connected to partisan politics.
“I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow,” Obi said.
He described the development as distressing, particularly because he had travelled to the state to meet people affected by the killings.
Obi also used the incident to call for an end to political hostility, saying Nigerians should be able to live, travel and farm without fear.
“Although we were unable to reach the community today, our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” he said.
He added that the responsibility of government should remain the protection of citizens and their lives, regardless of political affiliation.
The visit could not proceed to Yelwata, and Obi later left Benue for Plateau State.