Peter Obi Blocked by Thugs During Benue Visit

On September 8, 2026, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 elections, reported that armed thugs prevented him and his entourage from accessing communities impacted by the Yelwata massacre. Obi, who was ratified as the NDC's candidate on May 29, 2026, claimed that the thugs were dispatched by the Benue State Government to obstruct their movement.

During the confrontation, stones were thrown at Obi and his team, which he described as a deliberate attempt to deny them entry. The visit aimed to draw attention to the victims of the Yelwata massacre, a sensitive issue in Nigeria's political landscape.

The Benue State Government had not responded to the allegations regarding the obstruction. Obi expressed uncertainty about whether Governor Hycinth Alia was aware of the situation, as he had intended to meet with the governor, the Tiv traditional ruler, and visit IDP camps and a nursing school in the state.