MARGARETH CHIDERA
NIGERIA: The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the attack and obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State, describing the incident as “shameful” and demanding an immediate investigation.
The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., on Tuesday, alleged that suspected thugs blocked Obi’s convoy and prevented him from accessing Yelwata community, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in a deadly attack.
According to the NDC, the group that allegedly obstructed Obi’s movement was led by an aide to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
The party said the incident was particularly disturbing because Obi’s visit was intended to be a humanitarian gesture to victims and families affected by the killings rather than a political campaign.
Recounting the incident, Obi was quoted as saying that he arrived in Benue at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting victims and families affected by the Yelwata killings but was prevented from proceeding into the community.
“Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back,’” Obi said.
The NDC described the alleged obstruction as unacceptable, arguing that political differences should not prevent public figures from visiting communities affected by violence and expressing sympathy with grieving families.
The party said Obi travelled to Benue “not for politics” but to mourn with victims, listen to affected families and discuss ways of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
“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 our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” Obi was further quoted as saying.
The former Anambra State governor also called for restraint and national unity in the aftermath of the killings.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions,” he said.
The NDC maintained that the incident underscored what it described as the urgent need for government to prioritise the protection of lives and property across the country.
The party said Nigerians should be able to live, sleep, travel and farm without fear, insisting that the fundamental responsibility of government is to guarantee the safety and security of citizens.
“Benue and all Nigerians deserve to live, sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear,” the statement said.
Despite being denied access to Yelwata, the party said neither Obi nor the NDC would be deterred from identifying with communities affected by insecurity and violence.
The NDC expressed solidarity with the victims, their families and residents of Yelwata, while vowing to continue advocating for improved security and protection of lives.
The party subsequently called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and establish what transpired.
It also demanded that anyone found responsible for the alleged obstruction or attack be brought to justice.
The NDC further urged the authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens and political leaders who visit communities affected by violence to express sympathy and solidarity.
“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life,” the statement declared.
The allegations contained in the statement could not, from the material provided, be independently verified.
