Suspected thugs wielding machetes, clubs and stones attacked the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday, forcing him to abandon a planned condolence visit to communities affected by recent massacres in Benue State.
The attack occurred along Boko Road near the Air Force Base in Makurdi, shortly after Obi and his entourage arrived in the state. Videos from the scene showed a mob carrying weapons pursuing Obi’s vehicles and throwing objects at the convoy as it attempted to leave the area. Police officers positioned between the group and the convoy were reportedly overwhelmed, with the suspected thugs breaching the line and continuing their pursuit.
Obi, who was in the state to commiserate with families affected by the June 13, 2025 Yelwata terrorist attacks that claimed scores of lives, said he was prevented from reaching his destination. “I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road,” Obi said at the scene. He described the incident as “totally unacceptable” and a sign of how far Nigeria’s politics has degenerated.
The NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Terhemba Shija, alleged that the thugs were sponsored by the state government, while Obi’s campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, directly accused government-backed elements of orchestrating the blockade.
The Benue State Government denied any involvement. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, said the government was unaware of Obi’s visit and rejected suggestions that it had deployed thugs. “Benue government doesn’t do that,” Kula said.
The police confirmed the attack but said the reason for the blockade remained unknown. DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu said operatives had provided security for Obi’s movement and that an investigation was underway. This is the second time Obi’s visit to Benue has been disrupted. In April 2025, Governor Alia stopped a planned visit to an IDP camp, citing security concerns.
NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso condemned the attack as a “dark day for democracy” and called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors against undermining the rule of law.
The winners: none. The losers: Peter Obi, who was prevented from showing solidarity with grieving communities; the people of Benue, who were denied a visit from a national figure; and Nigeria’s democracy, which suffers another blow to its credibility.
Bottom Line: An opposition leader was blocked from visiting massacre victims by a machete-wielding mob. The government denies involvement. The police are investigating. The message is clear: in Benue, even condolence is political.