Benue Police Aware of Peter Obi's Visit Before Incident

A spokesman for Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Valentine Obienyem, disclosed a letter indicating that the Benue State Commissioner of Police was notified of Obi's visit prior to September 8, 2026. The letter, dated September 7, 2026, was signed by Ohini Ojegbe, the NDC Chairman in Benue State, and acknowledged by the police on the same day by Superintendent Daniel Tarwa.

The letter detailed Obi's itinerary, including his arrival in Makurdi at 8 a.m. and a visit to Yelwata to meet with families affected by the 2025 massacre. The state government, however, accused Obi of not informing Governor Hyacinth Alia and claimed no security arrangements were made for his visit.

Despite the police's acknowledgment of the letter and their provision of security cover, Obi's convoy was blocked by suspected thugs, preventing him from accessing the community.