The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Tuesday alleged that armed thugs prevented him and his entourage from visiting the victims and families affected by the recent killings in Yelwata community in Benue State.
The armed thugs were allegedly led by an aide to the state governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The thugs, who were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, allegedly blocked Obi’s movement into the village where hundreds of people lost their lives recently.
The NDC presidential candidate, in a post on his X handle, stated that “I arrived in Benue this morning (Tuesday morning) at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred.
“Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.” I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain.
“It is most worrisome that a visit meant solely to show solidarity, support, and compassion, and to hear from the victims and their families about how we can prevent such tragedies in the future, could be obstructed in this manner.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions. Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear.
“Above all, they deserve to live in a country where the government prioritises the protection of human life above every political consideration. Although we could not reach the community today, our hearts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community. We will persist until we restore the government’s fundamental responsibility: protecting every Nigerian’s life.
“Until then, we cannot truly say that we have built the Nigeria we deserve. A New Nigeria Is Possible! and will come with OK.”
