The Benue State Government has denied knowledge of Peter Obi’s visit to the state after the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was reportedly stopped by youths along Gboko Road, Makurdi.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said the state government was not informed about Obi’s visit and therefore could not explain the circumstances surrounding the blockade.
“We are not aware of his coming to the state,” Tersoo said in a telephone interview yesterday.
He added that Obi, as a presidential candidate and former governor, should have security personnel around him, while the host state’s security agencies should also be notified to ensure adequate protection.
Tersoo expressed surprise that youths could stop Obi’s convoy, stressing that nobody acted on behalf of the state government.
“We were surprised that youths would stop someone. Youth cannot do anything on behalf of government. Our government doesn’t patronise thugs and, in any case, Obi is not a threat to the governor,” he said.
Obi was reportedly on his way to Yelwata to visit families of victims of the June 2025 massacre when his convoy was stopped by youths at Gyado Villa along Gboko Road.
However, the NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, said Obi’s team had duly informed security agencies about the visit.
Shija said the police and Department of State Services (DSS) were notified and deployed personnel to provide security for the former Anambra State governor.
“Is Obi not a presidential candidate? INEC has lifted the ban on campaign and we duly informed police and DSS about his visit to the state. They deployed police and DSS to be with us,” he said.
Asked whether the state government was also informed, Shija said the government should be aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission had lifted the campaign restriction.
“But government is aware that INEC has lifted the ban on campaign. Do we need to take permission from the candidate?” he asked.
Shija described the incident as a demonstration of fear, insisting that Obi’s visit was simply to sympathise with families affected by the Yelwata killings.
“He has come just to see families of victims of Yelwata. Why should somebody stop a legitimate candidate after he has officially given notice to CP and DSS?” he queried.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s movement and that its operatives provided security for the convoy.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the reason the youths blocked the convoy remained unknown.
“We can confirm that the Police are aware of the incident involving Peter Obi’s movement to Yelwata. Police operatives provided security for the movement.
“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Aondongu said.
He added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Obi was later reported to have returned to Abuja.
