Obi condemns blockade of convoy in Benue, asks security agencies to caution governors — Daily Nigerian

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has condemned the blockade of his convoy by youths in Benue State, describing the incident as “very worrisome” and unacceptable.

Mr Obi, who was in the state to sympathise with victims of the Yelewata killings, was reportedly prevented from proceeding to the community along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway.

The former Anambra State governor said he cancelled the visit to avoid a breakdown of law and order and prevent the situation from escalating.

Speaking after the incident, Mr Obi cautioned against what he described as “rascality” in political campaigns, warning that such actions could trigger retaliation by supporters and further threaten peace and security.

He called on security agencies, particularly the Inspector-General of Police, to intervene and caution state governors against actions that could restrict the movement of political actors and their supporters across the country.

Mr Obi said he was in Benue to console families affected by the killings and show solidarity with the victims when his convoy was stopped.

“It is ridiculous. Our experience this morning is very, very worrisome. We arrived in Makurdi at 9 a.m., but on our way to the Yelewata community, to console and show solidarity with the families affected by the killings of over 270 persons in that community, and support them in any way I can, only to be blocked by thugs shouting, ‘Peter Obi, go back! Peter Obi, go back!’” he said.

He added, “And I was wondering: Are we still in Nigeria? Because even with the campaign I have started, I should be able to move around freely.

“But we didn’t want to go on and cause confusion and possibly endanger the lives of other people, so I decided to remain as civil as possible.

“I am using this occasion to appeal to the security agencies, the Inspector-General of Police and other agencies to please intervene and call the various state governors to order.

“I was a state governor myself. This rascality cannot be allowed. We are a country, and can we confront these people on our own if these people cannot provide us with security?

“We cannot go on this way. This is unacceptable,” Mr Obi lamented.