A mob allegedly blocked the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), along Gboko Road in Benue State on Tuesday.

Obi’s camp says he was heading to Yelwata to sympathise with victims and survivors of the killings and offer solidarity to affected families. The incident happened in June 2025.

Videos shared by Obi’s photographer, Esther Umoh, showed a group of stick-wielding men blocking the road and chasing after the convoy as it attempted to enter the state.

Umoh said the road was the only route from the airport into town and condemned the incident, saying political differences should not lead to such actions.

However, Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, said the state government was unaware of Obi’s visit and denied any involvement in the incident.

Kula said the government had no reason to allegedly use thugs to stop Obi and described the allegation as an attempt to discredit the governor.

Speaking after the incident, Obi said he travelled to Benue to console victims of insecurity and show solidarity with affected communities, not for a campaign.

He condemned what he described as the degeneration of Nigerian politics and called for unity and peaceful political engagement.