Igbo Group To Benue Gov: Arrest Thugs That Blocked Peter Obi’s Convoy Within 24 Hours

The Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to identify and arrest suspected thugs who blocked the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, from entering the state.

Peter Obi was in Benue on Tuesday on what he described as a humanitarian visit to sympathise with families affected by the killings in Yelwata.

However, his convoy was reportedly blocked along the Makurdi-Gboko Road by youths wielding sticks and other objects, forcing him to turn back and proceed to Plateau State.

Reacting in a statement, the Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation said the incident raises serious concerns about political tolerance, fundamental rights and the duty of government to protect every Nigerian regardless of political affiliation.

“Campaigns have commenced, but even beyond campaigns, every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of movement. What makes this particular incident even more disturbing is that Mr Peter Obi said he was travelling to Benue to mourn with families who lost loved ones and to show solidarity with victims of the Yelwata killings,” the group said.

The Foundation said no political disagreement should justify thuggery, intimidation or violence to stop a presidential candidate or any citizen from moving freely within the country.

It called on Governor Alia, as Chief Security Officer of the state, to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted, adding that the Benue Government’s denial of involvement makes an independent investigation more necessary.

“If the government of Benue State had nothing to do with this incident, then it should be the first institution demanding a transparent investigation and the arrest of those who carried out the obstruction. Government must not allow uncertainty and conflicting allegations to replace accountability,” it stated.

The group’s representative, Nsofor, warned that the incident has wider implications for ordinary citizens.

“If a prominent presidential candidate can be stopped on a public road by suspected thugs, Nigerians must ask themselves what protection is available to the ordinary citizen. Democracy cannot survive where political disagreements are settled through intimidation and physical obstruction,” Nsofor said.

The Foundation urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to guarantee adequate protection for all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, and appealed to the international community, civil society and election observers to closely monitor the conduct of political actors.

“We will not sit back and watch the fundamental rights of Nigerians being eroded. Political competition must be based on ideas, policies and the choice of the people—not intimidation, thuggery or coercion,” the statement read.

On the 2027 presidency, the group said Nigerians from every region should have a fair opportunity to aspire to the highest office, noting that the South-East deserves a fair chance through the ballot box.

“But that opportunity must be determined by competence, character, capacity and the free choice of Nigerians—not by coercion or suppression,” it added.