The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused the Benue State Government of allegedly preventing his convoy from reaching communities affected by recent killings in the state.
Obi made the allegation on Tuesday after his convoy was reportedly blocked along Gboko Road, near the Air Force Base, shortly after his arrival in Benue State.
The former Anambra State governor said he was in the state to commiserate with victims of insecurity and show solidarity with affected communities, but was unable to proceed with the planned visit.
According to Obi, he was informed that youths allegedly sponsored by the state governor blocked the road to stop him from gaining access to the area.
“I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road and made sure I do not go in,” Obi said.
Expressing disappointment over the incident, the NDC candidate questioned why political differences would prevent a condolence visit to communities affected by violence.
“I have been standing here since. We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Obi said the people of Benue needed support and empathy amid ongoing security challenges, adding that anyone wishing to visit victims should be allowed to do so.
“People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in,” he added.
The Benue State Government had yet to respond to the allegation at the time of filing this report.
, Peter Obi, has accused the Benue State Government of allegedly preventing){kind=link}