Alia, Kwankwaso, Others Differ Over Attack On Obi’s Convoy In Benue

By James Kwen, Paul Uwadima, Samson Elijah, Abuja, and Aza Msue, Makurdi

Uproar yesterday followed an attack on the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway in Makurdi, Benue State, by suspected thugs who prevented him from travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025 terrorist attack.

Obi, who arrived in Makurdi at about 9 a.m., was on his way to Yelwata when the incident occurred.

He accused the state governor’s Special Assistant on Youths of masterminding the attack and blocking his visit to the affected community.

“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, listen to families who have lost loved ones and offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” Obi said.

He said the incident was unfortunate at a time when Nigerians should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life.

Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the NDC; the party’s deputy governorship candidate in Benue State, Dr Raymond Edoh; and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) all condemned the incident and called for an investigation.

However, the Benue State Government denied Obi’s allegation that thugs working for the government blocked him from accessing Yelwata.

Police Confirm Attack

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said the reason Obi’s convoy was blocked was unknown.

“We can confirm that the police are aware of the incident involving Peter Obi’s movement to Yelwata. Police operatives provided security for the movement.

“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates will be provided accordingly,” Aondongu said.

Alia Denies Allegation

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia described Obi’s allegation as unfounded and an attempt to drag him and the Benue State Government into what could be an internal political dispute within the NDC.

Alia said Obi was not a threat to him and insisted that his administration did not engage, patronise or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.

“Even if he actually visited the state, and we realised that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs,” the statement said.

The governor also questioned whether Obi had formally informed the state government and security agencies of his visit, saying such notification was necessary for adequate security coordination.

He said Obi should resolve any internal political disagreements within his party rather than attribute them to the state government.

“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists. Its attention remains firmly focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security and improving the welfare of the people of Benue State,” the statement added.

The government urged the public to disregard allegations linking it to the incident, saying Benue remained open to legitimate visitors and political actors who came in peace.

Obi Should have Notified State Govt About Visit – Commissioner

The state  commissioner for information, Solomon Iorpev, also criticised Obi for allegedly failing to notify the government of his visit.

According to Iorpev, Obi, as a former governor and high-profile political figure, should have formally informed the state government to enable appropriate security arrangements.

Kwankwaso Demands Probe

NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemned the reported attack, describing it as “a dark day for our democracy.”

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the Rebuild Nigeria Summit organised by the Okay A New Nigeria Initiative, Kwankwaso said authorities must uphold the constitutional right to freedom of movement.

He urged the Benue State Government to identify and prosecute those responsible and ensure Obi and members of his entourage were protected.

Kwankwaso also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors against actions capable of undermining democratic values.

He called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election-monitoring organisations to take note of the incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to protect opposition leaders and democratic freedoms.

NDC Condemns Obstruction

The NDC also condemned what it described as the “shameful attack and obstruction” of Obi’s convoy.

In a statement, the party’s national publicity secretary, Osa Director, said the visit was intended solely to mourn with grieving families, offer solidarity and hear from victims about ways to prevent future tragedies.

“Benue and all Nigerians deserve to live, sleep peacefully, travel safely and farm their lands without fear,” Director said, adding that the party would continue to demand government protection for citizens.

He called on the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident, prosecute those responsible and guarantee the safety of citizens and political leaders who visit communities affected by violence.

Edoh, Ameh Seek Investigation

The NDC deputy governorship candidate in Benue State, Dr Raymond Edoh, also condemned the incident and called for an investigation.

Edoh urged the federal government, security agencies and the Benue State Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the road blockade near the Air Force Base along Gboko Road and determine whether any security personnel were involved.

He described the incident as “a dangerous development that should concern every lover of democracy” and urged international organisations, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, Commonwealth and United States, to monitor developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Edoh also appealed to Obi’s supporters and NDC members to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

Similarly, the NDC’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, Peter Ameh, described the incident as “ridiculous and unacceptable.”

Ameh said opposition politicians should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or obstruction. He called for a thorough investigation into allegations that individuals connected to the Benue State Government may have sponsored or encouraged the roadblock.

“Our roads belong to the people, and political influence must never be used to create fear, inconvenience or a sense of lawlessness,” he said.

HURIWA Condemns Incident

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also condemned the reported blockade, describing it as “lawless, reckless and provocative.”

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, HURIWA national coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, alleged that some of the youths involved may have been sponsored by agents of the Benue State Government.

The group said the incident raised concerns about Obi’s safety and criticised what it described as inadequate security arrangements to guarantee his safe passage.

HURIWA urged the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security agencies acted impartially and in accordance with the Constitution.

It also called on the police to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.

However, details surrounding the incident, including the identities and motives of those involved and whether anyone was injured, remained unclear at press time.

Second Time Obi Was Blocked In Benue

LEADERSHIP recalls that this was not the first time Obi will be blocked from humanitarian visit to Benue State.

On April 14, 2025, Obi had planned a humanitarian visit to Makurdi, including visits to IDP camps and health/education projects.

The Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, had promptly issued a notice warning against the visit, citing security concerns and saying visits to IDP camps required prior approval.

Obi said he had tried to contact Governor Alia beforehand and was already travelling toward Benue when his security team received the government’s statement that his security was not guaranteed and he had to abandon the trip midway.