The Nigeria Democratic Congress has raised the alarm over the alleged obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Yelwata, Benue State, on Tuesday.
The party alleged that suspected thugs, some of whom it said were armed with dangerous weapons, blocked Obi’s convoy and prevented him from entering the community.
The NDC also alleged that the group was led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
The allegation had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said Obi arrived in Benue around 9am to commiserate with families affected by the recent Yelwata killings.
According to the statement, the group confronted the convoy and chanted, “Peter Obi, go back.”
Obi said his visit was humanitarian and not political.
“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” he was quoted as saying.
The NDC described the alleged obstruction as “shameful and condemnable.”
It questioned why a presidential candidate visiting victims of violence would allegedly be prevented from entering an affected community.
The party said the incident raised concerns about citizens’ freedom to express solidarity with victims of insecurity.
“Benue and all Nigerians deserve to live, sleep peacefully, travel safely and farm their lands without fear,” the NDC said.
The party urged the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident and establish whether any public official or other individual was involved.
It demanded prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The NDC said the incident would not stop Obi or the party from visiting communities affected by violence and offering support to victims and their families.