A native of Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State has apologised to Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and Nigerians following the disruption of the former Anambra State governor’s planned visit to the community.
The apology came after Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths on September 8 while he was travelling from Makurdi to Yelewata to meet families affected by the deadly 2025 attacks in the community.
Franc Utoo, a lawyer who identified himself as a native of Yelewata, described the incident as an unacceptable violation of democratic values and freedom of movement.
He said the people of Yelewata were sorry that Obi’s attempt to visit the community and show solidarity with victims had been disrupted.
Obi Was Blocked on Way to Yelewata
Obi had travelled to Benue as part of his political activities and planned to visit Yelewata, where hundreds of people were killed in the June 2025 attacks.
However, his convoy encountered a roadblock mounted by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway.
The youths reportedly chanted “Obi go back” as the convoy approached, prompting the presidential candidate to turn back rather than force his way through.
Obi later condemned the incident, describing it as “ridiculous” and “very worrisome.”
He appealed to security agencies to intervene and ensure political candidates were able to move freely around the country during the campaign season.
Yelewata Native Condemns Incident
Utoo said the people of Yelewata did not support the disruption.
In his apology, he described the incident as “undiluted brigandage” and said it violated the rights to freedom of movement and assembly.
He also expressed concern that the incident had compounded the pain of a community still dealing with the consequences of the 2025 killings.
The apology adds to a growing list of reactions condemning the blockade.
Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom said the incident was wrong and that Obi should have been allowed to visit Yelewata and sympathise with victims.
Minister of Aviation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Festus Keyamo also condemned the incident, saying political differences should not prevent candidates from moving freely during election campaigns.
Benue Government Denies Involvement
The Benue State Government has, however, denied involvement in the incident.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the government was not aware of Obi’s visit and rejected allegations that state-sponsored thugs were responsible for the blockade.
The government described Obi’s allegation as unfounded and suggested that the incident could have resulted from internal political disagreements within the NDC’s Benue structure.
The state government’s position has therefore created a sharp contrast with the accounts from Obi and other political figures who condemned the incident.
Police Investigate
The police have also moved to investigate the confrontation.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu said 46 suspects had been paraded in connection with the incident and that investigations were continuing.
He warned that the police would not tolerate political intolerance as the country approaches the 2027 general election.
The police response has added another dimension to the controversy, particularly as political parties begin intensifying their activities ahead of the election.
Apology Comes Amid Growing Political Tension
The Yelewata incident has become part of the wider political debate about the conduct of the 2027 election campaign.
Obi’s supporters have described the blockade as evidence of growing intolerance toward opposition candidates, while the Benue government has rejected any suggestion that it was responsible.
The apology from a Yelewata native provides a contrasting local voice, with Utoo arguing that the community did not want the incident associated with its people.
The episode also underscores the sensitivity surrounding Yelewata, where residents continue to live with the consequences of the 2025 killings.
For Obi, the visit was intended to express solidarity with victims and their families.
For the wider political class, the confrontation is a reminder that the 2027 campaign will require careful management of political tensions, particularly in communities affected by violence.
As investigations continue, the key questions remain who organised the blockade, why the youths decided to stop the presidential candidate and whether anyone politically connected to the incident will be held accountable.