The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and activist Omoyele Sowore have expressed strong condemnation following the reported disruption of Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when suspected political thugs blocked the convoy of the former presidential candidate, preventing him from gaining access to the North-Central state.
The blockade, which took place during a scheduled visit, has drawn criticism from political allies who claim the move was a deliberate attempt to stifle political engagement and movement within the region. The NDC and Sowore faulted the attack, describing the disruption as an affront to democratic engagement.
Security concerns in North-Central Nigeria
The disruption in Benue comes amid ongoing concerns regarding political thuggery and the security of political figures during movements across the country. Benue State, located in the Middle Belt, has frequently been a focal point for complex political and security dynamics.
Observers note that the use of thugs to block convoys and disrupt political gatherings remains a recurring challenge in Nigerian political cycles. Such incidents often lead to heightened tensions between opposing political camps and raise questions about the ability of local security agencies to protect political leaders and ensure the free movement of citizens.
While the specific identities of those behind the blockade have not been officially confirmed, the incident has prompted calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Political analysts suggest that if such disruptions are not addressed, they could discourage political participation and further destabilise the security atmosphere in the North-Central region.
At the time of publication, no official statement has been released by the Benue State government or the local police command regarding the details of the blockade or the identities of the suspects involved.
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