Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has alleged that suspected thugs blocked his convoy from accessing Yelwata community in Benue State, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.
Obi said he arrived in Benue at about 9am, Tuesday morning on a humanitarian visit to commiserate with families affected by the killings and offer support to the bereaved.
He, however, said his convoy was stopped from proceeding to the community by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
The former Anambra State governor described the incident as distressing, insisting that his visit was not politically motivated but aimed at mourning with the victims and listening to families who lost loved ones.
Obi said he was concerned that a humanitarian mission could be obstructed at a time when Nigerians should be united against violence and the loss of lives.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions,” he said.
The NDC candidate called on the government to prioritise the protection of citizens, stressing that Nigerians should be able to sleep, travel and cultivate their farms without fear.
He said the inability to reach Yelwata would not diminish his solidarity with the victims and their families.
“Although we were unable to reach the community today, our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” Obi said.
He pledged to continue advocating for stronger protection of lives and property, arguing that the primary responsibility of government was to safeguard every Nigerian.
“Until then, we cannot truly say we have built the nation our people deserve,” he added.
