NUJ Demands Probe Of Attack On Obi In Benue, Prosecution Of Suspects

The South-East Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded for the investigation of the attack and obstruction of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to Yelwata, Benue State.

The union also demanded for the prosecution of all the suspects involved in the attack.

However, the union questioned what it described as the apparent silence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on critical issues affecting the South-East, urging its leadership to intensify advocacy for the interests and development of the Igbo people.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday, at the end of the South-East Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting of the NUJ, held in Awka, Anambra State.

The meeting, chaired by the NUJ South-East Vice President, Ezenwa Adiuku, was attended by chairmen and secretaries of the five state councils of the NUJ in the zone.

On the reported incident involving Obi, the NUJ condemned the September 8 development and called for a comprehensive police investigation, insisting that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Union’s position is coming just as the Benue State Police Command disclosed that 46 persons have been arrested in connection with the obstruction of Obi’s convoy, while investigations continues into the incident.

The NUJ’s intervention adds to growing calls for accountability over the incident, which has generated reactions from political groups and civil society organisations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Beyond the Obi incident, the NUJ expressed concern over what they described as the failure of regional leadership to sufficiently address pressing challenges confronting the South-East.

The union specifically called on the executive leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Senator John Azuta-Mbata, to become more vocal and proactive in advocating for the region.

The union urged the South-East Governors Forum to strengthen cooperation among the five states, particularly in attracting federal infrastructure, development partnerships and investments, while taking coordinated measures to address insecurity.

It also called on the governors to prioritise the rehabilitation of internal road networks, arguing that improved connectivity would reduce pressure on major highways, facilitate movement between rural and urban communities and stimulate economic activities across the region.