Peter Obi the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate got to Benue State around 9am on Tuesday September 8 2026. He wanted to go to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sit with families hit by the June 2025 killings that took more than 270 lives.
His convoy ran into a roadblock on Gboko Road near the Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport. A crowd of youths stood in the way and kept shouting that Peter Obi should turn back. Some of them chased after the cars.
The group could not move forward and later had to leave the area. Obi said he came only to share the pain listen to the families and give comfort. He called what happened very upsetting because the trip was not about politics.
His people said the blockers were paid and that a special assistant to the governor led them. Some were said to carry clubs and other objects.
The Benue State Government said it knew nothing about the visit beforehand and that proper notice was not given. Officials denied sending anyone and even questioned if the visit happened the way it was told.
They pointed to possible party problems inside the NDC. Police said they knew Obi was coming and sent officers with him. They are looking into why the youths stopped the convoy but have not given a reason yet.
The blockage held up traffic for a long time. Obi flew out of the state after the incident. Party members asked for a full check of what went on. He had hoped to bring help items to the families.
