Peter Obi
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) Enugu State Chapter has condemned in its entirety the recent attack on the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, by thugs in Benue State.
The official condemnation of the human rights group was contained in a statement signed by Comr. Jerry Enoja Esq, Chairman, CLO, Enugu State, on September 9, 2026. The rights organization said in the press release:
“The attention of the Civil Liberties Organization has been drawn to the violent attack on the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, and his entourage, while on a humanitarian visit to an IDP camp in Benue State.
“Reports indicate that thugs suspected to be agents of the state government blocked the way to Yelwata and disrupted the visit, an act which endangered the lives of Peter Obi and his entourage.
“This attack is a gross violation of Sections 38, 40 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, association, and to participate in humanitarian activities anywhere in Nigeria irrespective of his or her political affiliation.
“The attack is not just an attack on Mr. Peter Obi and his entourage but an attack on a charitable mission to displaced Nigerians who have suffered enough. An attack on a man on such a mission is an attack on an IDP camp, an attack on compassion, on democracy, and on the dignity of the victims we all claim to care about. It’s an attack on humanity which we share as God’s creatures.
“Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. Instead of providing security for Peter Obi and his entourage, the State govt resorted to the use of state resources and thugs to attack citizens and the people he considered opposition figures. It is a dangerous abuse of power and must be condemned by all.
“It’s so shameful that the State Governor, the Chief Security Officer of his state failed to mobilize “HIS THUGS” to block terrorists who have been slaughtering his own people for years, but can quickly mobilize thugs to block a conscientious entourage on a humanitarian mission. It saddens the heart of responsible Nigerians that the youths who were recruited as thugs were the same people burying their own brothers and sisters in mass graves almost every month. The reckless youth-turned thugs were unable to block the terrorists ravaging their land. It shows how much they politicize and care about their relatives in the IDP camp.
“The Civil Liberties Organization hereby calls upon the Inspector General of Police to undertake an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the attack on the person of Peter Obi and his entourage. The arrest and prosecution of all persons involved, no matter how highly placed.
“The Benue State Government under His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia should provide public assurance of the safety of all political actors and humanitarian activities in the state. We call on the NHRC, INEC, NBA, and the international community, especially the USA and UN, to take note of this incident ahead of the future elections.
“We remind all leaders that leadership is service, not intimidation. Violence has no place in our democracy. An injury to one is an injury to all.
