TD MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reported that his convoy was attacked and blocked from gaining access into parts of Benue State shortly after his arrival in Makurdi.
Obi said he was in the state to sympathise with communities affected by recent deadly attacks and to condole families who lost loved ones.
The former governor disclosed this while speaking to journalists on the highway in Makurdi.
He said he had travelled to Benue specifically to show solidarity with victims of the violence. He said in part:
“A state, a visit where people have been killed, over 200 people lost their lives. So, I decided to come and condole their loss.”
Watch the video clip below:
Convoy Allegedly Blocked Near Makurdi Airport
According to Obi, his movement was disrupted after youths allegedly blocked Gboko Road near the airport.
They prevented him from proceeding to his intended destination.
He alleged that the youths were led by a Special Adviser to the state government, explaining that the action was aimed at stopping him from entering the affected area.
Obi said he had remained at the location for a considerable period while waiting for the situation to be resolved.
“I’ve been standing here for a while, thinking they’ll come to the census.
“It’s not happening. You can’t have a country like this,” he said.
‘We Can’t Build a Nation Like This’
The former governor expressed anger over the development.
He described what he called the “rascality” being introduced into Nigeria’s political environment as unacceptable.
“The rascality they are bringing in this country is totally unacceptable. We must have a country,” Obi declared.
He questioned why Nigerians attempting to visit communities affected by violence to offer sympathy and support would allegedly be prevented from doing so.
“People want to show solidarity and comfort to them. People want to condole them.
“People want to show that they are with them,” he said.
Obi Warns Against Using Youths for Political Activities
Obi also criticised the involvement of young people in the incident.
He warned that those being used for political activities could eventually suffer the consequences of their actions.
“This youth that are being used to do this, what they are doing now will take its revenge on them,” he said.
He further questioned why those in positions of authority would allegedly allow such a situation to occur.
“Unfortunately, that somebody sits in office and allows this to happen,” Obi said.
‘These People Are Hungry and Insecure’
The former governor linked the incident to what he described as Nigeria’s broader challenges of poverty and insecurity.
“These people are hungry. These people are insecure.
“These are people that we need to pull out of poverty by giving them the opportunity of a livelihood,” he said.
According to him, addressing poverty and insecurity should be a priority rather than preventing political figures from visiting communities affected by violence.
He said helping Nigerians escape poverty and providing them with opportunities was one of the reasons for his visit.
‘Everybody Is Aware I’m Visiting’
Obi expressed further disappointment that his visit was allegedly disrupted despite being publicly known beforehand.
“I came here all the way this morning, long before you were here, only to be told what you are seeing here.
“We can’t build a nation like this,” he said.
He maintained that his visit was not secret and that relevant authorities were aware of his plans.
“They know that I’m coming. Everybody is aware I’m visiting this place today. It’s not a secret thing,” Obi added.
Obi Calls on Nigerians to Take Back Their Country
The former presidential candidate urged Nigerians to become more involved in determining the future direction of the country.
“I’m calling on Nigerians that they must now come out and decide how we can build a state of this country. This country belongs to all of us,” he said.
The incident comes amid continuing concerns over deadly attacks and insecurity in parts of Benue State.
Political leaders and other stakeholders are calling for stronger measures to protect residents and address the underlying causes of the violence.
Obi’s allegations should be understood as claims pending responses or confirmation from the Benue State Government, security agencies and other parties involved.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the reported incident and the security situation in Benue State.
