NDC demands probe over blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has called on the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate the alleged blockade of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and bring those responsible to justice.

The party, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, condemned the incident, which it said prevented Obi from gaining access to Yelwata community, where he had planned to visit families of victims of a massacre that reportedly claimed more than 270 lives in June 2025.

The development comes amid conflicting accounts by the Benue State Government, the NDC and the police over whether relevant authorities were informed ahead of Obi’s visit.

Director described the obstruction of what it termed a humanitarian visit as disturbing and condemnable, insisting that Obi’s mission was not politically motivated.

The spokesman declared that the people of Benue and other Nigerians deserved to live and sleep peacefully, adding that the protection of human life should remain the overriding responsibility of government.

He said, “Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our Presidential Candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community.

“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life.”

The party consequently called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute those found culpable.

“We call on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all citizens and leaders who seek to show solidarity in times of grief,” Director added.

The incident followed Obi’s account that “hired thugs” obstructed his planned visit to Yelwata, where he intended to meet families of victims of the June 2025 massacre.

Obi said his trip to Benue was a purely humanitarian mission and came a day after he attended the opening of the national campaign office of another opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in Abuja, which he said reflected his commitment to political civility.

However, the Benue State Government had insisted that it was unaware of Obi’s visit to the state.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s planned movement to Yelwata and that police operatives provided security for the movement.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, however, said the reason the convoy was blocked remained unclear.

The incident has nevertheless heightened controversy over the circumstances surrounding the blockade, with the NDC demanding an investigation and the police saying the motive behind the obstruction was still unknown.