Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia led a group of thugs that blocked his convoy during a visit to the state to sympathise with victims of recent terrorist attacks.
Speaking in a telephone interview with newsmen on Tuesday, Obi said he was travelling to commiserate with families and communities affected by the attacks when his convoy was stopped on Gboko Road by a mob.
The former Anambra State governor claimed the group was led by a Special Adviser to Governor Alia, describing those involved as "government-sponsored thugs" deployed to prevent him from reaching the affected communities.
According to Obi, he had planned to visit families of more than 200 people reportedly killed in the attacks, insisting that the trip was purely humanitarian and not a political campaign.
"I am in Benue not for a campaign. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives and console them, show solidarity with them. But you can see the level at which our politics has degenerated," he said.
Videos circulating online showed a stick-wielding crowd blocking Obi's convoy as it attempted to enter parts of the state.
Obi further alleged that those behind the blockade were linked to the Benue State Government, accusing political actors of deliberately preventing access to citizens and communities.
He also lamented the country's worsening insecurity and economic hardship, saying Nigerians should not have to endure hunger and violence while political intolerance continues to deepen.
Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, Tersoo Kula, denied any involvement by the state government, saying officials were unaware of Obi's visit.
"We are not aware whether he is in the state or not. If the Benue State Government is to stop anybody, including Peter Obi, why would the Benue State Government go and use thugs? Benue Government doesn't do that. I think it is just one of the lies they are trying to bring upon my principal," Kula said.
Obi called on political leaders and citizens to embrace peaceful engagement despite their differences, stressing that Nigeria's future depends on unity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to doing what is right.
