The Benue State Government has denied prior knowledge of Peter Obi’s visit to the state, following reports that youths blocked the presidential candidate’s convoy on Tuesday.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was reportedly stopped by youths at Gyado Villa along the Gboko Road while travelling to Yelewata. 
The former Anambra State governor was in Benue to meet families affected by the deadly June 2025 attack in Yelewata, in which several people were killed.
His visit was aimed at commiserating with bereaved families and assessing the situation in the affected community.
Reacting to the incident, Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, said the state government was not informed about Obi’s arrival.
Tersoo said the government would have responded more promptly to the incident if it had been notified ahead of the visit.
He also questioned the security arrangements surrounding Obi, arguing that a presidential candidate and former governor should have adequate protection from federal security agencies.
According to him, the security authorities in the state should also have been informed of Obi’s movement so appropriate protection could be provided during his visit.
The governor’s aide further dismissed claims that the youths who blocked Obi’s convoy were acting on behalf of the state government.
He said the Alia administration does not engage thugs and had no reason to view Obi as a threat.
“We are not aware of his coming to the state, and if it were security agents that stopped him, it would have been easy for us to find out what happened,” Tersoo said.
“As presidential candidate of a party and former governor, he is a property of the federal government and ought to have been given security.
“Where are those security agents around him? If he is going to any state, the security of the host state should know so as to provide security for him.
“We were surprised that youths would stop someone. Youths cannot do anything on behalf of government. Our government doesn’t patronise thugs, and in any case, Obi is not a threat to the governor.
“We are not aware that Obi is coming to Benue. I am hearing it from you.”
