Benue denies deploying thugs against Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has accused "hired thugs" of blocking his humanitarian mission in Benue State. The presidential hopeful arrived in Benue at around 9 am, intending to visit the families of victims of the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata. However, his convoy was prevented from proceeding to the community by protesters chanting "Peter Obi, go back."

The incident occurred a day after Obi attended the opening of another opposition presidential candidate's national campaign office in Abuja. Obi stated that his visit was not driven by partisan politics but rather to mourn with the affected families and offer comfort. He emphasized that the people of Benue and other Nigerians should not live in fear and that the government's primary responsibility should be to protect human life above political considerations.

The Benue State Government and the state police command denied Obi's allegations, claiming that security agencies were informed of his visit and provided security. The governorship candidate of the NDC in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, stated that police operatives were present to accompany Obi during his visit.