Peter Obi’s Benue Visit Disrupted as Suspected Thugs Block Convoy for Second Time

The planned visit of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi to Benue State was reportedly disrupted on Tuesday after suspected thugs blocked his convoy along Boko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi. According to Premium Times, which reported the incident on September 8, 2026, Obi was visiting the state to express solidarity with communities affected by recent violence and the 2025 Yelewata killings. Videos cited by Premium Times showed men carrying objects described as clubs, sticks and stones confronting the convoy as it attempted to proceed. Police officers were also seen positioned between the group and Obi's convoy. The convoy eventually turned back after the road was reportedly blocked. Obi's campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, alleged on X that the individuals blocking the road were sponsored and were attempting to prevent the former Anambra State governor from accessing the area. However, the allegation of sponsorship had not been independently verified at the time of the report. The incident has also drawn a response from the Benue State Government. The governor's Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, said the government was not aware of Obi's visit and denied that the administration engages thugs. He also said Obi's status as a former governor and presidential candidate warranted adequate security and prior coordination with the host state. The development is the second reported disruption of Obi's planned visit to Benue. In April 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia had stopped a planned visit by Obi to internally displaced persons, citing security and protocol concerns. Speaking after Tuesday's incident, Obi criticised the obstruction and said he intended to visit communities affected by killings and show solidarity with victims. The latest confrontation comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections and has renewed discussions about political tolerance, freedom of movement and the treatment of opposition politicians. As of the time of the Premium Times report, the police had not issued an official statement on the incident. Source: Premium Times Nigeria — September 8, 2026. Editorial note: Claims that the individuals involved were sponsored by the Benue State Government remain allegations and have not been independently established.