VIDEO: ‘We don’t want Peter Obi’ protesters block his convoy in Benue

• Peter Obi's convoy was blocked by protesters on Gboko Road in Makurdi, Benue State.

• Protesters chanted "We don't want Peter Obi" and prevented him from reaching victims of recent killings.

• Obi alleged that a Special Assistant to the Benue State Government mobilised the youths to stop his visit.

• The Benue State Government had not responded to Obi's allegations at the time of reporting.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, had his planned visit to Benue State disrupted on Tuesday after protesters blocked his convoy along Gboko Road in Makurdi.

The protesters gathered around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport axis, chanting, "We don’t want Peter Obi," while refusing to allow his convoy pass. The road blockade lasted for hours and caused heavy traffic in the area.

Obi had travelled to the state to sympathise with communities affected by the recent wave of killings that has left many residents displaced and grieving.

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Speaking in a video shared by News Central Television, the former Anambra governor claimed the protest was not spontaneous, alleging that it was organised by people linked to the state government.

"I was told that youths, led by an SA (Special Assistant) to the government, have decided to block the road and make sure I don’t go there," he said.

The former presidential candidate did not hide his frustration, describing the incident as another example of the country's worsening political culture.

"The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable. People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to show that they are with them, and I came here all the way this morning, a long distance, only to be told what you are seeing here," he said.

Obi also accused politicians of using vulnerable young people for political purposes instead of helping them build better lives.

"These youths are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them. They don’t know that. And unfortunately, somebody sits in office and allows this to happen," he said.

He argued that many of the youths involved in the protest are themselves victims of hardship and insecurity, saying they deserve jobs and opportunities rather than being mobilised to stop people from showing support to victims.

According to Obi, his visit to Benue was never a secret and the authorities had been informed ahead of time.

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"Everybody is aware I’m visiting this place today. It’s not a secret to them," he said.

The incident comes as Benue State continues to battle deadly attacks by suspected armed herders and other criminal groups, with several communities recording repeated killings in recent months. Obi has consistently visited affected communities across the country to commiserate with victims of violence and disasters.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government had not officially responded to Obi's allegations that government officials were behind the road blockade.