By taibat Ummi Yakubu

A planned condolence visit by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to victims of recent attacks in Benue State ended abruptly on Tuesday after a group of youths reportedly barricaded a major road in Makurdi, preventing him from reaching the affected communities.

The incident occurred along the Makurdi-Gboko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base shortly after Obi and his entourage arrived in Benue State. Witnesses said the former Anambra State governor's convoy was stopped by youths armed with sticks, while some allegedly hurled stones and occupied sections of the road, effectively blocking access into Makurdi town.

According to eyewitness accounts, the convoy remained stranded for more than an hour as efforts to engage the youths failed to yield results.

Confirming the development, Benue South Zonal Chairman of the NDC, Abu Suleiman, who was part of Obi’s delegation, said the presidential candidate had intended to visit communities affected by recent attacks but was forced to abandon the trip after the road blockade persisted.

“I was in the entourage. The youths barricaded the road from the airport axis. He opted to speak with them, but they refused. After waiting for over an hour, he decided to return and flew back to Jos,” Suleiman said.

He described the incident as disturbing and regrettable, arguing that Obi’s mission was purely humanitarian and not political.

According to him, the former governor had travelled to Benue to sympathise with residents who had suffered repeated attacks by armed assailants, adding that it was the second time Obi had encountered obstacles while attempting to visit parts of the state.

A Makurdi resident, Adoor John, alleged that some youths had held a late-night meeting on Monday to mobilise supporters across the state's 23 local government areas ahead of Obi’s arrival, although the claim could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying security personnel had been deployed to provide protection for Obi during the visit.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondona, stated that while officers were aware of the blockade, the motive behind the youths’ actions remained unclear.

“We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates will be provided accordingly,” he said.

Also speaking on the matter, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed that intelligence reports about Obi’s visit had been received in advance and that security arrangements were made to ensure his safety.

The police chief said the former presidential candidate was expected to visit Yelwata community and stressed that every Nigerian had the constitutional right to freedom of movement.

He, however, confirmed that some youths blocked the road because they reportedly did not want Obi in the area.

“We heard that the youths blocked the road because they didn’t want to see him. We are going to investigate and determine why they acted that way. We have managed the situation tactically, but we will get to the root of the matter,” Nwadiogbu said.

The development has reignited discussions surrounding previous restrictions on visits by prominent political figures to Benue State.

In April 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia directed that high-profile individuals seeking to visit the state should obtain prior approval from the government, particularly where such visits could attract large crowds or politically sensitive gatherings.

At the time, the directive followed Obi’s planned visit to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and was justified on security grounds.

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Reacting to Tuesday’s incident, Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, maintained that Obi ought to have formally informed the state government before embarking on the visit.

According to him, such notification would have enabled authorities to provide adequate security and coordinate necessary logistics.

“A former governor and national political figure should officially notify the government when planning a visit. Without that, it becomes difficult for the state to guarantee safety and protection,” he said.

Iorpev denied knowledge of the youths involved in the blockade but noted that a gathering of youths from various local government areas had been scheduled around the same time.

Addressing supporters after the incident, Obi expressed disappointment over what transpired, insisting that his visit was solely to condole with families affected by deadly attacks and not for political campaigning.

The former governor lamented the worsening security situation in parts of Benue and criticised those responsible for preventing him from reaching the affected communities.

He argued that citizens should be free to show solidarity with victims of violence and called for a more tolerant and peaceful political environment.

Despite the setback, Obi pledged to return to Benue whenever necessary to support communities facing hardship and insecurity.

The NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, also condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and unnecessary.

Shija praised Obi for maintaining calm throughout the confrontation and said the episode would not discourage the party from continuing its political activities in the state.

He further lamented the humanitarian and security challenges facing several parts of Benue, noting that many communities remain vulnerable to attacks while thousands of residents continue to live in displacement camps.

The controversy deepened when the Peter Obi Media Office alleged that “hired thugs” were responsible for the blockade.

In a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr., the media office claimed that Obi’s convoy was confronted by a hostile crowd carrying sticks, clubs and stones while attempting to access a village recently affected by mass killings.

The statement further alleged that despite the presence of security personnel, the crowd breached security lines and forced the delegation to retreat to prevent violence.

Similarly, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, condemned the incident, describing it as “shameful” and “deeply troubling.”

He stated that Obi’s visit was intended to mourn with bereaved families, express solidarity with affected residents and assess the humanitarian situation firsthand.

The incident has since generated widespread reactions, with observers raising concerns over political intolerance, freedom of movement and the security challenges confronting Benue State as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.