Obi was travelling to Yelewata to sympathise with victims of the deadly attacks in the community when the incident occurred near the Air Force Base in Makurdi.
According to his campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, the suspected thugs barricaded the road shortly after Obi’s convoy arrived in the state.
Videos shared from the scene showed a group of men carrying sticks, clubs, stones and other objects as they confronted and pursued the convoy.
The men were also seen throwing objects towards the vehicles as the convoy attempted to leave the area.
In another video, police officers could be seen forming a line between the group and Obi’s convoy. However, the youths appeared to breach the police line and continued after the vehicles.
The convoy eventually turned back from the area.
Reacting to the incident, Obi expressed disappointment, saying he had travelled to Benue to identify with communities affected by the Yelewata killings and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones.
“We must have a country. People are killed every day in Benue. People want to show solidarity and comfort. People want to show that they are with them. I came here all the way this morning,” Obi said.
He condemned the obstruction of his movement and criticised the use of political supporters to prevent citizens from moving freely.
The NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Terhemba Shija, alleged that the youths were sponsored by the state government. The allegation had not been independently verified as of the time of filing the report.
The Benue State Police Command had also not issued an official statement on the incident.
PREVIOUS CONTROVERSY
Tuesday’s incident is the second reported disruption of Obi’s planned visit to Benue.
In April 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia warned Obi against making an unscheduled visit to internally displaced persons in the state, insisting that visits to IDP camps required approval from the relevant state authorities.
Alia later denied that the decision was politically motivated, saying it was based on security concerns and the need for high-profile visitors to follow established protocols.
Obi subsequently accused the state government of politicising a humanitarian visit.
The latest confrontation comes amid renewed attacks in several parts of Benue, including Otukpo, Agatu, Apa, Gwer West, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum, with communities recording deaths, injuries, displacement and destruction of property.
The development has also raised fresh concerns about political tolerance and the safety of opposition politicians as activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
