The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the attack and obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday to commiserate with victims of the recent killings in Yelwata community.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, stated that suspected hired thugs blocked Obi’s convoy and prevented him from entering Yelwata, where more than 270 people were reportedly massacred.
The NDC further alleged that the group was led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and was armed with dangerous weapons.
According to the statement, Obi arrived in Benue at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting victims and families affected by the killings.
“I arrived in Benue this morning at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata,” Obi was quoted as saying.
“Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’”
The NDC described the alleged obstruction as “shameful” and “deeply troubling”, arguing that Obi’s visit was motivated by a desire to mourn with bereaved families, express solidarity with the victims and hear directly from affected residents.
The party said it was particularly concerned that an occasion meant to bring Nigerians together in grief had allegedly been turned into a confrontation.
Obi, according to the statement, said his visit was not politically motivated.
“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain,” he said.
He added that Nigerians should, at such a difficult moment, unite in grief and work collectively to prevent further loss of lives rather than engage in actions capable of deepening divisions.
The NDC said Benue residents and Nigerians generally deserved to “live, sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear”.
It maintained that the primary responsibility of government was the protection of human life, stressing that security and the safety of citizens should take precedence over political considerations.
“Above all, they deserve a government that prioritizes the protection of human life above every other consideration,” the statement said.
While expressing disappointment that Obi was denied access to Yelwata, the party said the incident would not discourage it from standing with victims of violence.
“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our Presidential Candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” it said.
“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life.”
The party called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and identify those responsible for the alleged obstruction.
It also demanded that anyone found culpable be brought to justice, while urging the authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens and political leaders who seek to visit communities affected by violence and express solidarity with victims.
 has condemned the attack and obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday to commiserate with victims of the recent killings in Yelwata community){kind=link}