Probe attack on Peter Obi in Benue – Amnesty International tells govt

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to launch a thorough and timely investigation into an incident in Benue State where presidential candidate Peter Obi and his team were allegedly blocked and attacked by armed youths. The organization described the incident as a severe case of political intolerance, warning that blocking an entire political party and its supporters from entering a state undermines democratic participation.

Amnesty stressed that no region of Nigeria should be off-limits to anyone, emphasizing that democracy hinges on freedom, justice, and citizens' peaceful political involvement. They noted that while the arrests of suspects marked the start, they called for a comprehensive probe to identify and punish those responsible for the attack.

Amnesty also cautioned that continued harassment and intimidation of opposition figures could hinder political actors' ability to freely associate and organize public events. Reports indicate that on September 8, 2026, Obi's convoy was halted on the Makurdi–Gboko federal highway en route to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to support families impacted by the June 2025 killings.

The youths reportedly formed a roadblock, shouting "Peter Obi, go back," preventing the convoy from moving forward. Obi characterized the event as an assault by thugs, while the Benue State Government denied any involvement and dismissed the accusation that government-linked individuals orchestrated the blockade. The police later announced the arrest of 46 suspects, stating that investigations were ongoing and that key youth leaders involved were being sought.