Tension erupted in Benue State on Tuesday as youths barricaded a major highway, bringing the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi to a dramatic halt.
Obi was on his way to Yelewata to condole with families affected by the deadly June 2025 attacks when the convoy was stopped along the Makurdi-Gboko Road, near the Nigerian Air Force Base.
Videos from the scene showed a crowd of youths blocking the highway and confronting vehicles in the convoy, while some were heard chanting, “Peter Obi, go back!”
The roadblock triggered heavy traffic as motorists were forced to stop while the youths occupied the highway.
Obi’s campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, described those behind the blockade as alleged sponsored thugs, accusing them of deliberately trying to prevent the presidential candidate from reaching the affected community.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, an visibly angry Obi condemned the development and warned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.
“Today, I’m in Benue, not for campaign. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives, and condole with them, show solidarity with them.”
Obi said the incident reflected how deeply political intolerance had taken root in the country.
He urged politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful politics ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that Nigeria needed “unity, love, justice and a shared sense of being safe.”
The former Anambra State governor also appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be manipulated by political elites.
The blockade, however, has sparked controversy, with the Benue State Government distancing itself from the incident and denying that it sponsored or deployed youths to stop Obi.
The government also said it was not aware of Obi’s visit, while police authorities confirmed that they were aware of the movement and were investigating the circumstances surrounding the blockade.
For Obi, what began as a humanitarian visit quickly turned into a dramatic confrontation on one of Benue’s major highways — reigniting concerns over political tolerance and the growing tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Drama in Benue: Youth Block Peter Obi’s Convoy, Halt Condolence Visit
