Amnesty Demands Independent Probe Into Peter Obi’s Alleged Attack, Blockade in Benue
Amnesty International has called for an impartial and independent investigation into the reported attack and blockade involving the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State.
The human rights organisation said the incident had raised serious concerns over political intolerance and the safety of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call followed an incident on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, when Obi and members of his entourage were reportedly stopped by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway.
Obi was travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to visit families affected by the deadly attack on the community in June 2025.
The convoy reportedly encountered a group of youths who barricaded the highway and prevented Obi and his entourage from proceeding towards Yelwata.
The youths were heard chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
The situation eventually forced Obi and his entourage to return to Makurdi Airport.
Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement shared on its verified social media platform, described the incident as a dangerous development that must not be allowed to become normal in a democratic society.
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure an impartial, independent and timely investigation of the incident yesterday in Benue state in which the presidential candidate of NDC Peter Obi and his encourage were blocked and attacked by armed youth.”
The organisation also cautioned against any attempt to restrict political parties or their supporters from moving freely across Nigeria.
“Blocking an entire political party and its supporters from entering a state is the highest level of political intolerance.”
Amnesty added: “No part of Nigeria should be a no-go area for anyone. A person does not require permission or notification to exercise freedom of movement and personal liberty.”
The human rights group further urged the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
It warned that repeated attacks, threats or intimidation targeting opposition politicians could undermine democratic participation and make it more difficult for political parties to organise rallies, meetings and other lawful political activities.
“No one should lose their life or face violence simply for taking part in peaceful political activities,” Amnesty said.
The demand for an investigation came after the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 46 suspects allegedly linked to the incident.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrest while briefing journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Nwadiogbu said the police had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the road blockade and the events involving Obi’s entourage.
According to the police commissioner, the command had received information about Obi’s visit and deployed security personnel to provide protection for the NDC presidential candidate and his entourage.
He explained that the police avoided using force to disperse the youths because such an approach could have resulted in casualties and property damage.
Nwadiogbu said the investigation would continue until those responsible for the incident were identified.
He also disclosed that some key youth leaders allegedly connected to the incident were still being traced by security operatives.
Following the escalation of tension at the scene, police personnel subsequently escorted Obi and his entourage back to the airport.
Obi had earlier expressed anger over the development, saying he travelled to Benue to sympathise with families who lost loved ones in the Yelwata killings and to offer support to the affected community.
“It is ridiculous. Our experience this morning is very very worrisome. We arrived Makurdi at 9 AM, but on our way to the Yelewata community, to console and show solidarity with the family affected by the killings of over 270 persons in that community, and support them in any way I can, only to be blocked by thugs shouting, ‘Peter Obi go back! Peter Obi go back!’”
The NDC presidential candidate said he decided not to force his way through the blockade, noting that doing so could have heightened tensions and created further security concerns.
He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to intervene.
“This rascality cannot be allowed,” Obi said.
The NDC also condemned what it described as an attack on its presidential candidate and called for an investigation into the individuals responsible.
The party alleged that people connected to the Benue State Government were involved in mobilising the youths who blocked Obi’s convoy.
The allegation, however, has been rejected by the Benue State Government.
The government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, denied having any involvement in the incident.
Kula said the state government was not aware of Obi’s visit and argued that the former Anambra State governor should have properly coordinated his movement with the relevant authorities.
The government also rejected claims that Governor Alia or his administration deployed youths to prevent Obi from reaching Yelwata.
“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about,” Kula said.
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The Benue State Government further maintained that it does not “engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.”
The incident has continued to generate concerns over political tolerance, freedom of movement and the security of opposition politicians as political activities gradually intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
