Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has alleged that thugs prevented him from reaching Yelwata community in Benue State, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in a recent massacre.
Obi disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, September 8, explaining that he travelled to Benue on a humanitarian mission to visit families affected by the killings.
According to him, he arrived in the state at about 9:00 a.m. but was unable to proceed to the community after his convoy was stopped by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
Obi described the incident as “deeply distressing,” stressing that his visit was not politically motivated but intended to allow him mourn with bereaved families and offer support to those affected by the violence.
“I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow,” he said.
He condemned the obstruction, describing it as alarming that a humanitarian visit could be disrupted by hostility at a time when Nigerians should be united against insecurity and bloodshed.
Obi said Nigerians should be able to live, travel and farm without fear, while insisting that the protection of human life must remain the government’s foremost responsibility.
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“The people of Benue – and all Nigerians – deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to cultivate their land without fear,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate also called for an end to actions capable of worsening political and social divisions, particularly in the face of insecurity.
His comments came a day after he attended the opening of the national campaign office of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, an opposition presidential aspirant, in Abuja.
Obi said his presence at the event was intended to demonstrate that political engagement could be conducted with “mutual respect and civility.”
He recalled that while serving as Anambra governor, he personally welcomed opposition politicians who visited the state, provided they operated within the law.
Despite being unable to reach Yelwata, Obi said his “thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community.”
He further pledged to continue advocating for improved protection of Nigerians, arguing that the country could not claim to have achieved its potential until government restored the safety of citizens. A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded.