Former presidential candidate Peter Obi said armed thugs blocked and attacked his convoy during a visit to survivors of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, according to his account of the incident captured in a trending video. The reported stoning has sparked political controversy in Nigeria as campaigning begins ahead of the 2027 general elections, with details of the alleged attack still emerging and no independent confirmation of the circumstances reported.

Tension erupted in Benue State on Tuesday after suspected thugs allegedly blocked a major road as Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arrived in the state. The incident was disclosed by Obi's media aide, Esther Umoh, who shared a video on her X handle showing the blocked route, according to the Daily Post. Details of any injuries or arrests were not immediately available.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has cautioned against violent political campaigns after angry youths, suspected to be loyalists of a political party, blocked the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway and prevented him from entering Benue State. According to Channels TV, Obi was travelling to Yelewata to meet and commiserate with victims of the June 2025 attacks when the roadblocks were mounted on the two-lane highway, stopping his convoy from passing through to the community.

The Benue State Government said it was not aware of a visit by Peter Obi after his convoy was stopped by youths in the state, according to an aide to the governor. Police, however, confirmed they had been notified of the visit and said an investigation into the incident is underway.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi said it was “totally unacceptable” that his convoy was obstructed during a visit to Benue State, according to Vanguard. Obi, who travelled to commiserate with communities affected by recent killings, said his team was stopped from reaching the area where he intended to pay a condolence visit. The report did not identify who stopped the convoy or give further details.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), arrived in Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday ahead of a planned solidarity visit to Mangu Local Government Area. According to Vanguard, the visit follows a recent deadly attack on communities in the area, and Obi is expected to meet with victims affected by the violence during his time in the state.