Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed outrage after his convoy was allegedly prevented from accessing a community in Benue State where he planned to pay a condolence visit to victims of recent killings.
Obi arrived in Benue on Tuesday as part of efforts to identify with communities affected by the recent violence in the state.
However, his movement was reportedly disrupted along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base, where his convoy encountered an alleged blockade involving suspected political thugs and security operatives.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Obi said he was informed that youths allegedly sponsored by the state governor had blocked the road to prevent him from proceeding.
“I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road and made sure I do not go in,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor questioned why a politician visiting victims of violence to offer condolences would be stopped from reaching the affected community.
According to him, the development was unacceptable in a democratic society, particularly at a time when Benue residents are facing insecurity and loss of lives.
“I have been standing here since. We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable,” Obi stated.
He further said the growing killings in Benue should compel leaders and political actors to put aside partisan differences and focus on supporting affected communities.
“People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in,” he added.
