The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has demonstrated remarkable courage and solidarity with victims of insecurity following his visit to Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where he condoled with families of victims of the horrific massacre that reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, including women and children.
The visit comes against the backdrop of previous attempts to frustrate his humanitarian mission to the troubled community, raising serious questions about political tolerance, freedom of movement and the treatment of opposition figures in Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Obi’s determination to visit Yelwata is particularly significant because his earlier attempts to reach the community were met with controversy, hostility and physical obstruction.
Previous Attempts to Stop Obi’s Visit
In September 2026, Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked along the Makurdi-Gboko Road by a group of youths who chanted, “Peter Obi, go back.” Some members of the crowd were reportedly armed with sticks and threw objects, forcing the former Anambra governor to abandon the journey to prevent the situation from degenerating into violence.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress accused suspected hired thugs of orchestrating the obstruction and alleged that an aide to Governor Alia was involved. Obi also accused hired thugs of preventing his humanitarian mission.
The state government, however, denied involvement and accused Obi’s team of failing to follow appropriate notification and security protocols. The police confirmed that they were aware of the movement and had deployed personnel for security.
The September incident was not the first controversy surrounding Obi’s planned visit to Benue. His earlier humanitarian engagement in April 2025 was also reportedly halted amid security and protocol concerns. Channels Television
Fresh Concerns Before Wednesday’s Visit
Ahead of the latest visit, the NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Professor Terhemba Shija, raised concerns over alleged attempts by the state government to frustrate Obi’s movement.
Shija called on Governor Alia and security agencies to guarantee the safety of Obi and his supporters, insisting that the party had formally notified the relevant authorities and made arrangements for a peaceful visit.
The Benue State Government subsequently denied plotting to disrupt the visit. Its Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, described the allegations as false, politically motivated and mischievous, insisting that the governor had no reason to prevent Obi from entering the state.
A Visit That Goes Beyond Politics
Against this background, Obi’s successful visit to Yelwata carries considerable humanitarian and political significance.
For families who lost loved ones in the massacre, the tragedy is not merely a political talking point. It is a painful reality involving destroyed homes, shattered families, displaced communities and the loss of innocent lives.
The reported killing of hundreds of people, particularly women and children, remains one of the most disturbing reminders of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Obi’s decision to visit the community and personally identify with the grieving families reinforces the importance of leadership that recognises human suffering beyond political, ethnic and religious considerations.
The visit also places renewed attention on the responsibility of government to protect vulnerable communities, prevent further massacres and ensure that perpetrators of mass killings are brought to justice.
The Bigger Question
How can a country claim to uphold democracy when a presidential candidate’s attempt to visit victims of a massacre becomes entangled in political controversy, allegations of intimidation and security concerns?
Regardless of political affiliations, every Nigerian should be free to visit a community, sympathise with victims and express solidarity without fear of harassment or obstruction.
Governor Alia’s administration has denied any attempt to stop Obi, but the previous blockade and the fresh allegations deserve transparent investigation.
Yelwata needs more than sympathy. Its people need justice, protection, rehabilitation and a government that will never allow them to become victims of repeated violence.
Peter Obi’s visit sends a powerful message: the suffering of Nigerians must never be ignored, and the pain of massacre victims must never be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry.
A New Nigeria is POssible. 🇳🇬
