High political tension erupted along the Makurdi corridor as suspected armed thugs intercepted and blocked the convoy of former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Obi’s team was attempting to enter the state capital for a scheduled humanitarian visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The incident occurred around 10:30 AM near the state border along the Lafia-Makurdi highway, where dozens of youths wielding sticks, stones, and makeshift barricades turned back the opposition leader’s motorcade.
Members of Obi’s entourage alleged that the barricade was orchestrated by political operatives loyal to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The blockage followed an earlier security advisory from the Benue State Government warning against “unscheduled political and public visits” to vulnerable areas.
Eye-witnesses reported that Obi’s convoy was forced to a halt as mob members blocked access, chanted political slogans, and threw missiles at the vehicles. Security details attached to the former governor of Anambra State managed to maneuver the convoy to safety without firing shots or escalating the physical confrontation.
Speaking on the incident, the Media Head for the Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, Yunusa Tanko, condemned the blockage as a violent attack on free movement and democratic engagement.
”This was a coordinated act of political intolerance,” Tanko stated. “Mr. Peter Obi was traveling to Benue on a purely humanitarian gesture to visit our vulnerable IDPs in Makurdi and Gboko. All relevant security agencies were formally notified in advance. Blocking a major highway using sponsored thugs sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy.”
The Benue State Government swiftly rejected the accusation that Governor Alia hired or deployed thugs to intercept the convoy.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, clarified the administration’s position, maintaining that the state government was simply enforcing security measures to prevent uncoordinated public gatherings in sensitive areas.
”Governor Hyacinth Alia did not hire thugs, nor does this administration condone violence,” Kula said in an official statement. “However, we reiterated that any high-profile visitor seeking to visit IDP camps must comply with established state protocol and security clearances. Spontaneous visits to volatile areas create unnecessary security risks. The governor’s primary responsibility is to maintain law, order, and public safety across Benue State.”
Following the obstruction, Obi’s convoy retreated toward the Nasarawa State border to avoid further confrontation. The opposition leader later addressed press members, expressing disappointment over the inability to deliver relief materials to displaced citizens.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the obstruction on a federal highway, while local political analysts warn that rising political rivalry could spark further volatility in the north-central region ahead of upcoming political engagements.
