–Block His Visit to Victims of Yelewata Massacre
“The thugs were led by Governor Alia’s Aide” — Eyewitness
By TruthNigeria Staff
(Makurdi) – Nigeria is abuzz after Muscle men allegedly linked to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday.
The men reportedly blocked Obi from visiting survivors and families of the 2025 Yelewata massacre in Benue State.
The fracas happened at about 9 a.m. along the Makurdi-Gboko road, roughly 500 meters from the gate of the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command, as Obi traveled from Makurdi Airport toward Yelewata to meet victims of the June 2025 massacre.
It was reportedly the second time Obi has been prevented from visiting victims of violence in Benue State.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, made a similar attempt in April 2025 but said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration stopped him, citing the need for state approval and security concerns.
Amnesty International Condemns Attack
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned Tuesday’s incident, describing it as a reckless and unlawful use of political thugs and saying the Benue State Government had questions to answer
“No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country,” the organization said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
Eyewitness Says Governor’s Aide Led Thugs
Credit: Charles Oche, Eyewitness.
Charles Oche, an eyewitness who spoke to TruthNigeria, alleged that the attackers had been mobilized before Obi arrived.
“It was very clear, the armed thugs led by Governor Alia’s aide on Youth Mobilization got the hint of Peter Obi’s visit. They were already mobilized and waiting for Obi near the Air Force base.”
Oche said the crowd repeatedly chanted; “Obi, go back. We don’t need you in Benue State.”
Terna Tyovenda, a resident of the Air Force Base area, blamed both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia, alleging that Obi is viewed as a major political threat ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
“Peter Obi is the most fearful opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential election. President Tinubu sees Obi as the biggest threat to his second term ambition,” Tyovenda told TruthNigeria
He added: “If Alia’s thugs are so powerful, why are they allowing terrorists to keep killing us?”
Assembly Speaker Indicts Benue Youths
Benue State House of Assembly Speaker Alfred Berger confirmed Benue Youths involvement, saying the attackers were Benue youths angry that Obi did not visit Yelewata after the massacre occurred.
“Benue youths attacked Obi today because he did not visit Yelewata when the attack took place,” Berger said while addressing youths at IBB Square in Makurdi, according to TruthNigeria.
Governor Alia Denies Involvement
Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, denied knowledge of the incident and rejected allegations that his administration blocked Obi’s visit
The government described the allegations as an attempt to drag Alia and the people of Benue into what it characterized as an internal political dispute.
“The allegations are unfounded and a desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter,” the statement said.
Yelewata Massacre Remains a Major Security Issue
The confrontation occurred against the backdrop of the June 13–14, 2025 Yelewata massacre, one of the deadliest attacks in Benue’s recent history. TruthNigeria has reported that 271 Christians were killed when armed Islamic Fulani Ethnic Militia (IFEM) attacked the predominantly Christian farming community in Guma County, about 50 kilometers north of Makurdi, the State Capital
For Washington, the incident raises broader concerns about political violence, freedom of movement, protection of civilians and Nigeria’s ability to maintain democratic competition while confronting persistent terrorism and communal violence. The dispute also underscores the political sensitivities surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 elections and the government’s handling of attacks against vulnerable communities.
