Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has arrived in Jos, Plateau State, after his convoy was blocked by youths in Benue State on Tuesday.
Obi had travelled to Benue to visit families of victims of the June 2025 attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
His convoy was stopped by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Road at Gyado Villa, with reports showing protesters barricading the road and chanting against his entry. Obi subsequently left the state and travelled to Plateau.
Speaking on the incident, Obi appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to protect political leaders and ensure freedom of movement.
He described the incident as unacceptable and urged political actors to focus the 2027 campaign on issues such as insecurity, poverty, hunger, and killings.
The Benue State Government, however, denied involvement in the blockade, saying it was not informed of Obi’s visit and had no role in the incident.
NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso condemned the incident and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted. He also urged the international community and election observers to take note of the incident and press for the protection of opposition leaders.
Fellow opposition politician Omoyele Sowore also condemned the incident, warning that those behind the action were “toying with fire.”
