NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was blocked from visiting Yelwata, Benue State, on Tuesday to console victims of the June 13, 2025 massacre that claimed scores of lives. His team reported that armed thugs, allegedly sent by the state government, barricaded Boko Road near the Air Force Base. Obi’s photographer, Esther Umoh, shared videos showing stick-wielding mobs and stones being thrown at the convoy.
Benue State NDC Publicity Secretary Agile Bem Ordedoo accused the APC of mobilising thousands of thugs to stop Obi from delivering relief materials worth billions. The Benue APC denied involvement, suggesting it might be the work of aggrieved supporters.
Obi condemned the “totally unacceptable” obstruction, stating he was there solely to show solidarity with families of over 200 victims. He noted that authorities were aware of his itinerary. “People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to show that they are with them”, he said, adding that hungry, insecure youths were being exploited for political ends. The police had yet to comment as political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections.