TD MAKURDI, Benue State — Fresh details have emerged following Tuesday’s disruption and alleged attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State, with reports indicating that one person was killed while about 10 others were taken to hospital.
The incident occurred as Obi travelled toward Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
Obi said that he was in a mission to commiserate with families affected by the deadly attacks in the community.
According to reports, suspected thugs blocked Obi’s convoy along the Gboko–Makurdi Expressway.
They prevented the former Anambra State governor and his delegation from proceeding to Yelwata.
The latest account concerning casualties has not yet been independently corroborated by the police or the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).
Ten reportedly hospitalised
A source at BSUTH told Daily Post that more than 10 injured persons were brought to the hospital for treatment following the unrest.
However, the source reportedly cautioned that the hospital had not established a connection between all the patients and the incident involving Obi’s convoy.
This distinction is important because reports circulating on social media have described the hospitalised persons as thugs involved in the confrontation.
Meanwhile, the available hospital account does not independently establish the identities or circumstances of every injured person.
Report of One Death Yet to Be Independently Confirmed
Reports have also emerged claiming that one of the alleged attackers died during the confrontation, while several others sustained serious injuries.
However, as of the latest information reviewed by This Dawn News, no official statement from the Benue State Police Command, BSUTH or another competent authority has independently confirmed the reported death.
Consequently, the reported death should presently be treated as an emerging claim rather than an established casualty figure.
Police Confirm Blockade, Launch Investigation
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that youths blocked Obi’s convoy during his movement toward Yelwata.
Police spokesman DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu reportedly confirmed the development.
Aondongu said police personnel provided security during the incident, while an investigation was being initiated.
The police confirmation provides independent support for the occurrence of the blockade.
However, questions remain about the extent of the violence, the identities of those involved and the reported casualties.
NDC Accuses Governor’s Aide
The NDC has accused an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia of mobilising youths to obstruct Obi’s movement.
The party described the incident as unacceptable and called for an investigation.
It insisted that Obi had travelled to Benue to mourn victims of the Yelwata killings rather than for a campaign activity.
Obi himself reportedly said he had arrived in Benue to sympathise with families affected by the killings and was stopped by people chanting for him to leave.
Benue Government Rejects Allegation
The Benue State Government has denied responsibility for deploying thugs against Obi and rejected the allegation that it sponsored the obstruction.
The competing claims have created a political dispute over who organised the youths who blocked the convoy and what triggered the confrontation.
The controversy has also attracted condemnation from political figures and civil society voices.
It raises concerns that politically motivated violence could escalate as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Obi Was Visiting Victims of Benue Killings
Obi’s planned visit came against the backdrop of deadly attacks in Benue communities.
During an earlier visit to affected communities in August, Obi said more than 10 people had either been killed or gone missing in Otukpo-Nobi.
Meanwhile, he reported that more than 13 people were killed in a separate attack at Efeyi-Ugboju.
The latest confrontation therefore occurred against an already tense security and political backdrop in the state.
Investigation Crucial
The immediate priority is now to establish what happened before, during and after the confrontation.
These include:
- the identity of those who blocked the convoy, whether weapons were used,
- the circumstances surrounding the reported death, and,
- the precise number and identities of those injured.
Authorities also need to determine whether the incident was spontaneous or organised and whether any political actors were involved.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor the investigation and update this report.
Meanwhile, the police, hospital authorities, the Benue State Government, Peter Obi’s team or other credible sources provide independently verifiable information.
