The Benue State Government stated on Tuesday that it remained unaware of any planned visit by Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi. Officials reacted after youths blocked Obi’s convoy at Gyado Villa along Gboko Road.
Obi travelled to the state earlier that day. He intended to reach Yelewata and meet families of victims from the June 2025 massacre. However, the group of youths halted his progress and prevented further movement.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, spoke in a telephone interview. He confirmed the administration held no prior information about the arrival.
Tersoo said: “We are not aware of his coming to the state, and if it were to be security agents that stopped him, it would have been easy for us to find out what happened.”
He added that the government does not use thugs. Tersoo further stated: “We were surprised that youth would stop someone, youth can not do anything on behalf of the government. Our government doesn’t patronize thugs and in any case Obi is not a threat to the governor, we are not aware that Obi is coming to Benue. I am hearing it from you.”
Meanwhile, NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Professor Terhemba Shija, said the team had informed police and the Department of State Services ahead of the visit. He noted that personnel from both agencies accompanied the delegation.
Benue State Police Command spokesperson DSP Peter Aondongu later confirmed that officers provided security for the movement. He said the reason for the blockage by youths remained under investigation.
