The convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi was reportedly blocked by a group of youths during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday.
Obi was travelling through the state to commiserate with families and communities affected by recent attacks when the incident occurred.
Reports said the group obstructed the convoy, preventing Obi and members of his team from proceeding along the route.
Speaking to ARISE News, Obi accused an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia of leading what he described as government-sponsored thugs who stopped his convoy.
The former Anambra State governor said the incident was particularly concerning because his visit was intended to show solidarity with communities affected by recent violence in the state.
TheCable also reported that suspected thugs blocked Obi’s convoy during the visit, although details surrounding the identity of those involved and their exact motive remained unclear at the time of publication.
However, the Benue State Government has rejected any suggestion that it was behind the incident.
A media aide to Governor Alia said the state government was not aware of Obi’s visit to Benue and therefore could not have organised the group that obstructed his convoy.
The incident has triggered fresh political controversy in the state, coming amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also brings back memories of a previous dispute involving Obi’s visit to Benue in 2025, when Governor Alia stopped the former presidential candidate from visiting an internally displaced persons camp, citing security and protocol concerns.
As of the time of reporting, there was no indication of any arrest or official investigation into those responsible for the obstruction.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities and affiliations of those who blocked the convoy, remain subject to further clarification.
