The Benue State Government says it was not aware of the visit of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state on Tuesday, after his convoy was reportedly stopped by some youths.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, told journalists on Tuesday that the government had no prior notice of Obi’s trip.
“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,” Tersoo said.
“As a presidential candidate of a party and former governor, he is a property of the federal government and ought to have been given security. Where are those security agents around him? And if he is going to any state, the security of the host state should know so as to provide security for him.”
He expressed surprise that youths could block Obi, stressing that no youth was acting on behalf of government.
“Youths cannot do anything on behalf of 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’m hearing it from you,” he added.
Obi was reportedly on his way to Yelewata to visit families of victims of the June 2025 massacre when his convoy was stopped by youths at Gyado Villa along Gboko Road. He was said to have returned to Abuja afterward.
NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Prof. Terhemba Shija, said the party officially informed security agencies ahead of the visit.
“Is Obi not a presidential candidate? INEC has lifted the ban on campaigns and we duly informed police and DSS about his visit to the state. They deployed police and DSS to be with us,” Shija said.
On whether the state government was informed, he replied: “Government is aware that INEC has lifted the ban on campaigns. Do we need to take permission from a candidate?”
Shija described the incident as “a demonstration of fear” and “a clear show that Obi is the man to watch.”
“He has come just to see families of victims of Yelewata. Why should somebody stop a legitimate candidate after he has officially given notice to the CP and DSS?” he asked.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed it was notified of Obi’s visit and provided security for his movement.
In a statement on Tuesday, Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the reason for the blockade was still unclear.
“We can confirm that the Police are aware of the incident involving Peter Obi’s movement to Yelewata. Police operatives provided security for the movement.
“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates will be provided accordingly,” the PPRO said.