Thugs Attack Peter Obi's Convoy in Benue State

On September 8, 2023, tension arose in Benue State when suspected thugs attacked the convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The incident took place along Boko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base shortly after Obi's convoy arrived in the state.

Esther Umoh, Obi's campaign photographer, reported that the thugs blocked the road to prevent Obi from entering the state. Videos shared by Umoh showed men with clubs and stones pursuing the convoy, with some objects thrown at the vehicles.

Despite the presence of police attempting to manage the situation, the thugs breached the security line, leading to the convoy's retreat. Obi subsequently canceled his visit to victims of the Yelwata massacre due to the attack.

The Benue State Police Command had not provided details on the incident at the time of reporting, and efforts to reach them for clarification were unsuccessful. This confrontation echoed a prior disagreement between Obi and the Benue State Government regarding his planned humanitarian visit in April 2025.