The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has narrated how his visit to Benue State to commiserate with families affected by the killings in Yelwata was obstructed by thugs.
Obi stated that he travelled to Benue on a purely humanitarian mission to visit grieving families following the horrific killings in Yelwata, where more than 270 people were massacred.
According to him, his convoy arrived in the state at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, but was prevented from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
He described the incident as “deeply distressing”, stressing that his visit was not for partisan politics.
“I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow,” Obi said.
He lamented that it was “deeply alarming” that a mission intended to show solidarity, compassion, and support could be obstructed in such a manner.
Obi urged Nigerians to reject actions capable of deepening divisions, emphasising that the people of Benue and other Nigerians deserved to live without fear.
“The people of Benue – and all Nigerians – deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to cultivate their land without fear.”
He reiterated that Nigerians deserved a country where the government placed the protection of human life “far above political expediency.”
Although he was unable to reach the community, Obi said that his thoughts and prayers remained with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community.
“We shall continue to work until the primary responsibility of government – the safeguarding of every Nigerian life – is restored,” he said.
He added: “Until then, we cannot truly say we have built the nation our people deserve.”
