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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Thugs Blocked Me From Yelwata Massacre Site in Benue, Peter Obi Alleges

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi says armed men allegedly stopped him from entering Yelwata in Benue State, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed.
  • Obi says he visited to mourn victims, meet affected families and discuss preventing further violence, but alleged that political considerations obstructed the visit.
  • He called for restraint, national unity and government protection for people in Benue and across Nigeria.

Peter Obi says he arrived in Benue at about 9 a.m. intending to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata, but armed men allegedly blocked his way and told him to leave.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate said the group chanted, “Peter Obi, go back.” His media office alleged that the men were led by an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and carried dangerous weapons.

not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain

· Peter ObiThe NDC presidential candidate described the purpose of his visit to Yelwata.

Obi said he had travelled to the community “not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain”. More than 270 people were reportedly killed in the recent massacre.

Peter Obi, go back

· Alleged protestersThe chant Obi said he heard when armed men allegedly stopped him from entering Yelwata.

He described the obstruction as particularly troubling because he wanted to hear directly from victims and their families about measures that could prevent similar killings. Obi urged Nigerians to avoid actions that could deepen political and social divisions while the country mourns.

“Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear,” he said. He added that the government’s central responsibility should be protecting human life, regardless of political affiliation.

Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear

· Peter ObiObi called for protection and security for residents.
About this summary

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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