Peter Obi’s Benue Visit Blocked as Youths Stop Convoy on Gboko Road

Peter Obi’s planned visit to communities affected by deadly violence in Benue State was disrupted on Tuesday after a group of youths blocked his convoy along Gboko Road in Makurdi.

The incident occurred near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport as Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was travelling towards Yelwata.

Obi said his visit was humanitarian rather than a campaign event and that he intended to meet families affected by the killings that devastated Yelwata in 2025.

According to reports and videos from the scene, the convoy was confronted by a group of youths who barricaded the road and prevented it from continuing.

Footage reported by Premium Times showed men carrying what appeared to be sticks, clubs and stones as they confronted the convoy. Police officers were also seen positioned between the group and Obi’s vehicles. The convoy eventually turned back.

Obi accused people connected to the state government of mobilising the youths to stop him.

Speaking at the scene, the former Anambra governor expressed anger over the incident, arguing that Nigerians should be able to visit communities affected by violence to sympathise with victims and their families.

He also questioned the use of young people to obstruct political opponents, saying poverty and insecurity should be addressed rather than exploited for political purposes.

However, the Benue State Government has rejected any suggestion that it organised or sponsored the blockade.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said the government was not aware Obi was visiting the state and denied that government officials had mobilised youths against him.

“We are not aware of his coming to the state,” Tersoo said, according to Punch.

The Benue State Government also maintained that Obi, as a presidential candidate and former governor, should have adequate security arrangements coordinated with authorities in the state.

The police have meanwhile confirmed that they were aware of Obi’s movement.

Benue State Police spokesperson DSP Peter Aondongu said police officers provided security for the movement but that the reason the youths blocked the convoy was still unknown.

The police said they were monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with further updates expected.

The confrontation has already triggered a political debate, coming as Nigeria's political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Supporters of Obi have described the incident as political intimidation, while the state government has rejected allegations of involvement.

The incident also revives an earlier disagreement between Obi and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

In April 2025, Alia stopped a planned visit by Obi to internally displaced persons in Benue, citing security concerns and the need for high-profile visitors to coordinate their movements with state authorities.

The governor had argued at the time that his administration had a responsibility to know when prominent figures were entering sensitive areas, particularly locations housing displaced people.

Tuesday's incident is therefore likely to intensify the political tension surrounding Obi's activities in Benue.

For now, the police investigation is expected to determine who organised the roadblock and why the youths decided to stop the presidential candidate's convoy.

What remains disputed is whether the blockade was simply a spontaneous action by youths or whether political actors were behind it.

Key Facts:

• Peter Obi was stopped while travelling in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

• His convoy was blocked along Gboko Road in Makurdi near the Air Force Base.

• Obi said he was travelling to Yelwata to sympathise with families affected by the 2025 killings.

• Videos from the scene showed youths confronting the convoy and blocking the road.

• Police officers were deployed between the convoy and the youths.

• The convoy eventually turned back.

• Obi alleged that youths linked to a government aide were responsible for the blockade.

• The Benue State Government denied organising or sponsoring the incident.

• The police confirmed awareness of Obi's movement and said an investigation was underway.

• The incident comes as political activity intensifies ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections.