Amnesty International has demanded an impartial and independent investigation into the reported attack and blockade involving the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State.
The human rights organisation said the incident raised serious concerns about political intolerance and the safety of opposition politicians as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Amnesty made the demand after Obi and members of his entourage were stopped by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Obi was on his way to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to visit families affected by the deadly attack on the community in June 2025.
The convoy reportedly encountered a group of youths who barricaded the road and prevented it from continuing towards Yelwata.
The youths were heard chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
The development forced Obi and his entourage to turn back to Makurdi Airport.
Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement shared on its verified social media platform, described the incident as a dangerous development that should not be allowed to become normal in a democratic society.
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure an impartial, independent and timely investigation of the incident yesterday in Benue state in which the presidential candidate of NDC Peter Obi and his encourage were blocked and attacked by armed youth.”
The organisation also warned against attempts to restrict political parties or their supporters from moving freely across the country.
“Blocking an entire political party and its supporters from entering a state is the highest level of political intolerance.”
It added, “No part of Nigeria should be a no-go area for anyone. A person does not require permission or notification to exercise freedom of movement and personal liberty.”
Amnesty further said the authorities must establish what happened, identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
The organisation said repeated attacks or intimidation of opposition figures could weaken democratic participation and make it difficult for political parties to organise rallies, meetings and other lawful activities.
“No one should lose their life or face violence simply for taking part in peaceful political activities,” Amnesty said.
The call came after the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 46 suspects linked to the incident.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.
He said the police had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blockade.
According to him, the command had been informed about Obi’s visit and deployed security personnel to protect him and his entourage.
Nwadiogbu said the police decided against using force to disperse the youths because doing so could have resulted in casualties and damage to property.
The commissioner said the investigation would continue until those behind the incident were identified.
He also disclosed that some key youth leaders allegedly connected to the incident were still being traced.
The police subsequently escorted Obi back to the airport after the situation became tense.
Obi had earlier expressed anger over the development.
He said he travelled to Benue to sympathise with families who lost loved ones in the Yelwata killings and to offer support to the affected community.
“It is ridiculous. Our experience this morning is very very worrisome. We arrived Makurdi at 9 AM, but on our way to the Yelewata community, to console and show solidarity with the family affected by the killings of over 270 persons in that community, and support them in any way I can, only to be blocked by thugs shouting, ‘Peter Obi go back! Peter Obi go back!’”
The NDC presidential candidate said he chose not to force his way through the roadblock because doing so could have created further tension.
He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to intervene.
“This rascality cannot be allowed,” Obi said.
The NDC condemned what it described as an attack on its presidential candidate and demanded an investigation into those responsible.
The party alleged that individuals linked to the Benue State Government were involved in organising the youths.
However, the allegation has been rejected by the state government.
The Benue State Government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, denied any involvement in the incident.
The government said it was not aware of Obi’s visit and argued that the former Anambra State governor should have properly coordinated his movement with relevant authorities.
It also rejected suggestions that Governor Alia or his administration deployed youths to stop Obi.
“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about,” Kula said.
The state government maintained that it does not “engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.”
