The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the Benue State Government on Tuesday traded blame over the disruption of his planned visit to Yelwata, Benue State, as some youths barricaded a major road in Makurdi and prevented his convoy from proceeding to the community.
Obi, who said he travelled to Benue to condole with families of victims of the Yelwata massacre, accused suspected hired thugs, allegedly acting on the orders of a government aide, of blocking his movement.
But the state government denied involvement in the incident, insisting that Obi failed to follow the necessary protocol by formally notifying the government of his visit and accusing him of attempting to create a political controversy.
The Yelwata attack occurred between June 13 and June 14, 2025.
The conflicting claims came even as the Benue State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s visit and had deployed officers to provide security for his movement.
