Tensions flared as protesters block Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue.
Glamtush reports that Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, was on Tuesday prevented from proceeding in Benue State after protesters barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital.
The protesters, chanting “We don’t want Peter Obi,” blocked the road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport for hours, disrupting traffic as Obi’s convoy was held back.
Speaking at the scene in a video posted by News Central Television via its X page on Tuesday, Obi said he had travelled to Benue to condole with victims of killings in the state but was stopped on the orders of a government aide.
“I was told that youths, led by an SA (Special Assistant) to the government, have decided to block the road and make sure I don’t go there,” he said.
He described the blockade as unacceptable and accused those behind it of exploiting hungry, insecure youths for political ends.
“The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable. People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to show that they are with them, and I came here all the way this morning, a long distance, only to be told what you are seeing here,” he said.
Obi said the protesters had been mobilised without regard for the consequences.
“These youths are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them. They don’t know that. And unfortunately, somebody sits in office and allows this to happen,” he said.
Obi maintained that the blockade should not have occurred, adding that the affected youths were themselves victims of poverty and insecurity who deserved livelihood support rather than being deployed to obstruct his visit.
He said his itinerary had not been concealed from state authorities. “Everybody is aware I’m visiting this place today. It’s not a secret to them,” he said.
