Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that suspected thugs prevented him from visiting the grieving families of victims of the Yelwata killings in Benue State.
Obi said he travelled to Benue on a humanitarian mission to commiserate with families affected by the violence, which reportedly claimed more than 270 lives.
According to him, he arrived in the state at about 9:00 a.m. but was unable to proceed to Yelwata after his convoy was allegedly blocked by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
The former governor said his visit was not politically motivated but was intended to express solidarity with the victims and their families.
He explained that his decision to visit Benue followed his attendance the previous day at the opening of the national campaign office of opposition presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Abuja.
Obi said his participation was aimed at demonstrating that political activities could be conducted with mutual respect and civility.
He recalled that while serving as Anambra governor, he personally welcomed visiting opposition politicians during election campaigns, provided they operated within the law.
“Guided by that same commitment to decency over partisanship, I travelled to Benue this morning, arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m. on a purely humanitarian mission,” Obi said.
He expressed disappointment over the alleged obstruction, describing it as deeply distressing.
“I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow,” he said.
Obi warned that actions capable of worsening political and social divisions should be avoided, particularly at a time when the country is dealing with recurring attacks and loss of lives.
He said Nigerians deserve to live, travel and work without fear, adding that protecting human life should remain the government’s foremost responsibility.
“The people of Benue — and all Nigerians — deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to cultivate their land without fear,” he said.
According to Obi, the inability to reach the affected community would not diminish his sympathy for the victims.
He added that his thoughts and prayers remained with the victims, their families and the entire Yelwata community.
Obi maintained that efforts must continue to restore the government’s primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
“Until then, we cannot truly say we have built the nation our people deserve,” he said.
