Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged obstruction of his convoy by suspected political thugs and security operatives during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday.
Obi was in the state to commiserate with communities affected by recent killings and express solidarity with families who lost loved ones in the attacks.
However, his planned visit was reportedly disrupted after his convoy was stopped along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base, shortly after his arrival in the state.
Speaking at the scene of the alleged blockade, Obi claimed he was informed that youths allegedly sponsored by the state governor had blocked the road and were preventing him and his team from proceeding to the affected community.
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“I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road and made sure I do not go in,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor said he remained at the location for some time, expressing disbelief that a political visit aimed at sympathising with victims of violence could be obstructed.
“I have been standing here since. We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Obi also expressed concern over the continued killings in Benue, stressing that political differences should not prevent individuals or groups from visiting communities affected by violence.
“People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in,” he said.
The alleged incident has raised concerns over political tensions in the state, particularly as Benue has continued to witness deadly attacks and communal violence in recent times.
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Obi’s visit was reportedly intended as a gesture of solidarity with the affected communities and families of victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government had yet to issue an official response to Obi’s allegations or clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported blockage of his convoy.
Further details on the incident were not immediately available.
