VIDEO: Protesters block Peter Obi’s convoy on Benue road
Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was blocked from traveling through Benue State on September 8, 2026, when protesters barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital. The demonstrators, who chanted 'We don’t want Peter Obi,' reportedly acted on instructions from a government aide and a special assistant to the state government. Obi stated he had traveled to Benue to express condolences to victims of recent killings in the region but was prevented from reaching his destination. He criticized the blockade as politically motivated, accusing authorities of using vulnerable youth for political purposes. Obi emphasized that the affected youths were victims of poverty and insecurity and deserved support rather than being used to disrupt his visit. He claimed his plans were known to local authorities and expressed frustration over the obstruction.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, accused “hired thugs” of obstructing his visit to Yelwata in Benue State on Tuesday, where he intended to meet families of victims of the June 2025 massacre. According to Obi, his convoy was halted by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back,” preventing him from reaching the community. The incident occurred a day after he attended the opening of the national campaign office of another opposition candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in Abuja, as part of his commitment to political civility. In a statement posted on his X account, Obi emphasized that his visit was purely humanitarian, aimed at offering condolences to grieving families and listening to their stories. He described the obstruction as deeply distressing and called for the government to prioritize the protection of human life over political considerations. “Our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” he said. The Benue State Government denied awareness of Obi’s visit, stating that no official notification had been received. Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, expressed concern over the lack of communication. “If you are visiting a state, the security apparatus of the state is supposed to know,” he said. Tersoo argued that security agencies should have been informed to ensure proper protection for a high-profile individual like Obi, a former governor and presidential candidate. Prof. Terhemba Shija, the governorship candidate of the NDC in Benue State, countered the government’s stance, asserting that security agencies had been informed of Obi’s visit and that personnel were deployed to accompany him. The state police command confirmed awareness of Obi’s movement to Yelwata and that police operatives provided security for the journey. However, the reason for the convoy’s blockage remained unclear, according to DSP Peter Aondongu, the police spokesperson. Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, criticized Obi for ignoring protocol by failing to formally notify the state government of his visit. He described the situation as troubling, noting that Obi’s visit coincided with a gathering of youths from multiple local government areas. “This is not the first time he is doing this. He is just looking for our trouble,” Iorpev said, expressing concerns about the safety of a prominent political figure. In a video posted by News Central Television, Obi claimed that the blockade was ordered by a government aide, with youths led by an SA to the government blocking the road. He accused those responsible of exploiting vulnerable youth for political gain, describing the actions as unacceptable and harmful to public safety. “These youths are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them,” he warned. Obi stressed that his itinerary had not been concealed from state authorities, emphasizing that the visit was known to everyone involved. He urged support for the affected communities, arguing that the youths involved were victims of poverty and insecurity who needed livelihood assistance rather than being used to disrupt his mission. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and local communities, with accusations of both sides failing to uphold responsibilities. As investigations into the blockage continue, the situation underscores broader challenges in ensuring security and maintaining political harmony in the region.
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Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was blocked from traveling through Benue State on September 8, 2026, when protesters barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital. The demonstrators, who chanted 'We don’t want Peter Obi,' reportedly acted on instructions from a government aide and a special assistant to the state government. Obi stated he had traveled to Benue to express condolences to victims of recent killings in the region but was prevented from reaching his destination. He criticized the blockade as politically motivated, accusing authorities of using vulnerable youth for political purposes. Obi emphasized that the affected youths were victims of poverty and insecurity and deserved support rather than being used to disrupt his visit. He claimed his plans were known to local authorities and expressed frustration over the obstruction.
Bias read (Center): The article reports directly on the event without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from Peter Obi expressing his perspective and does not present counterarguments or alternative viewpoints. However, it remains neutral in tone, presenting the incident as it occurred without clear bias or
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the state government's denial of knowing about Obi's visit and highlights the lack of official notification. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that there was no prior communication between Obi and the state authorities.
Why objectivity (70): While the article remains neutral in describing the facts, it subtly implies that the state government might have been complicit by not providing security, which introduces a slight bias.
The PunchIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 65
Nigeria's presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, accused 'hired thugs' of blocking his visit to Yelwata in Benue State, where he intended to meet families affected by a June 2025 massacre that killed over 270 people. Obi claimed he arrived early in the morning for a humanitarian mission but was prevented from reaching the community by individuals chanting 'Peter Obi, go back.' He criticized the obstruction as alarming and emphasized that the government's duty is to protect lives, not engage in political conflict. The Benue State Government denied knowledge of Obi's visit, stating that security agencies should have informed them if anyone had arrived. Obi called for the restoration of safety and justice for all Nigerians.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the incident as a political attack on Obi, using terms like 'hired thugs' and emphasizing his humanitarian intent despite being a political figure. The focus on obstruction during a visit to a massacre site suggests a narrative that positions Obi as a victim of political hostility
Why factuality (85): The article provides details of Peter Obi's claim that 'hired thugs' obstructed his visit to Benue, citing the June 2025 massacre as context. While it doesn't include a primary source, it aligns with the cross-source consensus that Obi was blocked by protesters. However, it lacks specific evidence o
Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat accusatory toward the protesters, using phrases like 'hired thugs' and implying political motivation. The article frames the incident as a violation of protocol rather than presenting both sides equally.
The PunchIndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 60
Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, accused presidential candidate Peter Obi of ignoring protocol by failing to notify the state government before visiting, which led to his being blocked by youths. Iorpev criticized Obi for not writing a formal letter to the state government, arguing that as a former governor, Obi's security should be ensured by the host state. The commissioner claimed this was not the first time Obi had disregarded protocol and suggested that Obi was 'courting trouble.' Iorpev noted that Obi's visit coincided with a gathering of youths from various local government areas, though he did not identify those responsible for blocking Obi's access.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Peter Obi, a prominent opposition figure, as someone who disregards protocol and deliberately provokes conflict. The language used by the commissioner implies that Obi's actions are intentional and disrespectful, suggesting a negative portrayal of a political rival. The emphasison
Why factuality (80): This article corroborates Obi's account of being blocked by protesters, including the mention of a government aide instructing the blockade. It also includes the commissioner's response, though it doesn't directly address the 'hired thugs' claim. It reflects the general consensus among sources.
Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language, such as 'rascality' and 'exploiting hungry, insecure youths,' which suggests a biased perspective. It fails to present the state government's position with equal weight.
The Benue State Government has denied awareness of a reported visit by Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that no official notification was received and that security arrangements were not in place. Governor Hyacinth Alia's spokesperson, Kula Tersoo, emphasized that visits by high-profile figures like Obi require prior coordination with security agencies. He criticized the alleged blocking of Obi's convoy by youths, suggesting inadequate security measures. Tersoo also refuted claims that the governor might have used youths to prevent Obi's visit, asserting that the governor does not support thuggery. The government has requested security reports to investigate the incident.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the controversy surrounding Peter Obi's alleged visit, quoting the governor's spokesperson without overtly criticizing or praising either side. It focuses on the procedural aspects of security coordination rather than taking a clear ideological stance. The
Why factuality (75): The article presents the Benue State Government's denial of Peter Obi's visit as stated by the Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo. It includes direct quotes from the press secretary and provides context about the lack of prior notification and the expectation of security arrangements. However, it do
Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting the government's perspective without overtly favoring either side. It uses formal language and avoids strong emotional or biased phrasing. However, it frames the situation from the government's viewpoint without providing counter-narratives
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