Obi condemns Benue attack, calls for action against political thuggery

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned an alleged attack on his convoy in Benue State, describing the incident as “ridiculous and worrisome” and calling on security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding it.

Obi said he was in Benue State on Tuesday to express solidarity with a family affected by a recent killing in the community when his entourage reportedly encountered a group of youths who blocked their movement as they attempted to leave the area.

According to the former governor of Anambra State, the group allegedly shouted, “Peter Obi, go back,” while preventing his convoy from moving.

Reacting to the incident, Obi questioned the state of affairs in the country, asking, “Are we still in Nigeria?”

He said his visit to Benue was part of his efforts to familiarise himself with Nigerians across the country, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the next general elections.

Obi maintained that as a presidential candidate, he has the constitutional right to travel to and engage with citizens in any part of the country without intimidation or obstruction.

He therefore appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to intervene and ensure that political activities are conducted in a peaceful environment.

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The NDC candidate also urged the security authorities to caution state governors and other political actors against allowing thuggery and intimidation to undermine democratic participation.

“This rascality cannot be allowed,” Obi said, warning that the situation could become more dangerous if government institutions failed to provide adequate protection for citizens and political candidates.

He added that he was not in Benue to contest for the governorship of the state, but to interact with residents and understand their concerns as a presidential candidate.

“We are not here to fight anybody,” he said.

Obi alleged that the group responsible for blocking his entourage was led by the Special Adviser on Youths to the Benue State governor. He questioned how such an incident could occur without the knowledge of the state government and security agencies.

The former Anambra governor said the alleged involvement of a government official, if established, would raise serious concerns about the conduct of political activities and the protection of opposition figures.

Beyond the incident, Obi expressed concern over the prevalence of political thuggery in Benue State, linking the phenomenon partly to the lack of economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for young people.

He argued that unemployed and economically disadvantaged youths could easily be recruited into political violence when they lack legitimate means of earning a living.

Obi said tackling unemployment, expanding economic opportunities and empowering young Nigerians would therefore form a central part of his administration’s agenda if elected president.

He stressed that political disagreements should not translate into violence, intimidation or restrictions on the movement of candidates, insisting that democracy can only thrive when citizens and political actors are free to interact without fear.

The alleged incident has also renewed concerns about the safety of political candidates and supporters as the country moves deeper into the election cycle, with stakeholders expected to encourage peaceful campaigns and discourage the use of thugs or state-backed intimidation during political engagements.