A group of protesters on Tuesday blocked a major road in Makurdi, Benue State, preventing the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, from proceeding with his planned visit to victims of recent killings in the state.
The protesters reportedly barricaded the Gboko Road around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, chanting, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”
The development disrupted traffic in the area for several hours as Obi’s convoy was forced to stop.
Obi, who spoke at the scene in a video shared by News Central Television on its X page, said he had travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of insecurity but was prevented from continuing his journey.
According to him, he was informed that some youths, allegedly led by a Special Assistant to the state government, had mobilised to block the road.
“I was told that youths, led by an SA to the government, have decided to block the road and make sure I don’t go there,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor described the incident as unacceptable and accused unnamed political actors of using young people facing poverty and insecurity for political purposes.
Obi said the youths should instead be supported with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
He also expressed concern over the killings in Benue, saying the state had continued to witness insecurity while political interests were being placed ahead of the welfare of residents.
“The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable. People are being killed every day in Benue,” he said.
Obi further claimed that the youths involved in the protest were being used without considering the possible consequences of their actions.
“These youths are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them. They don’t know that,” he said.
He also said the state government was aware of his visit and that his itinerary had not been kept secret.
“Everybody is aware I’m visiting this place today. It’s not a secret to them,” Obi said.
Obi maintained that he had travelled to the state to show solidarity with families affected by the killings and expressed disappointment that his movement was obstructed.
The incident comes amid continued political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians increasingly visiting states and communities as parties prepare for the polls.
