By ABT NEWS Desk | www.abtnews.net
In a shocking escalation of political hostility, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his delegation were violently intercepted by suspected political thugs on Tuesday morning, forcing a dramatic halt to a high-profile humanitarian mission in Benue State.
The tense standoff unfolded around 9:00 a.m. along Gboko Road shortly after Obi touched down in the state. The former Anambra State governor was en route to the devastated Yelwata community, where a horrific massacre recently claimed the lives of over 270 innocent citizens, to mourn with grieving families and offer personal solidarity.
Instead of an open road to deliver compassion, the opposition leader was met with absolute chaos.
An unruly, stick-wielding mob swarmed the highway, throwing projectiles and aggressively chanting hostile slogans including “Peter Obi, go back!” as they completely barricaded the primary route leading out of the airport.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday to fiercely condemn the violent obstruction, Obi made it clear that his visit was strictly humanitarian and far removed from partisan campaigning:
“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 solidarity at a moment of unimaginable pain,” Obi declared. “It is most worrisome that a visit intended purely to show solidarity, support, and compassion… could be obstructed in this manner.”
Obi drew a stark contrast between Tuesday’s lawlessness and his own commitment to political tolerance. Just a day earlier, the NDC flagbearer had attended the grand opening of opposition candidate Governor Seyi Makinde’s national campaign office in Abuja to promote mutual respect across party lines. He also reminded the nation of his record as Governor of Anambra State, where opposition figures were routinely welcomed and protected within the bounds of the law.
In a scathing rebuke of those weaponizing human tragedy for political leverage, Obi issued an urgent plea for national unity and basic safety:
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and determined to prevent further loss of life, we must avoid every action capable of deepening our divisions. Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to farm their land without fear. Above all, they deserve to live in a country where the government places the protection of human life above every political consideration.”
Despite the dangerous detour, Obi reaffirmed that the NDC remains resolute in its mission to rebuild a nation where the fundamental security of every citizen is guaranteed.
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