JOS, Plateau State / MAKURDI, Benue State — Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi arrived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, just hours after his convoy was blocked by youths in Benue State while attempting to visit communities affected by d3adly attacks.
Obi had travelled to Benue earlier in the day with the intention of reaching Yelewata (also referred to as Yelwata) in Guma Local Government Area to condole with families of victims of a June 2025 massacre that reportedly claimed over 200 lives.
His convoy was stopped at Gyado Villa along the Gboko Road (near the Nigerian Air Force Base) by groups of youths who barricaded the highway, chanting against his entry and preventing further movement.
Speaking after the incident in Makurdi, Obi described the blockade as “rascality” that should not be tolerated in a democratic society. He said he remained calm to avoid any escalation that could endanger lives.
“I arrived here around 9am and was going to the Yelewata community to condole with families that have been affected by the k!llings.
Over 270 people have been k!lled in that community,” Obi stated. “I’m using this occasion to appeal to the IG of Police, the Director of DSS, and other agencies to please intervene and call various state governors to order. I was a governor myself. This rascality cannot be allowed; we have a country.”
He emphasised that the visit was humanitarian rather than political, aimed at showing solidarity with victims of insecurity. Obi called for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections to focus on issues such as insecurity, hunger, poverty and k!llings, rather than hostility.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that operatives provided security for Obi’s movement and that investigations had begun into the circumstances surrounding the blockade. The reason for the action by the youths remained unknown at the time, according to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Peter Aondongu.
The Benue State Government, through Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo, said it was not aware of Obi’s planned visit and distanced itself from the actions of the youths.
Following the disruption, Obi left Benue and proceeded to Jos, Plateau State. Details of his specific engagements in Plateau were still emerging as of the latest reports, but the move continues his pattern of visiting areas affected by violence to express solidarity with victims.
The incident has drawn reactions from political figures and activists. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described those behind the blockade as “toying with fire,” while Obi’s running mate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, called for international attention to the protection of opposition leaders.
Obi has previously visited Plateau State on multiple occasions to support communities impacted by attacks, including donations and engagements with displaced persons. He has vowed to return to Benue multiple times despite the setback.
The events unfold against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in parts of the North-Central region and rising political tensions as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
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