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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.”

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has raised N5.01 million to support the education and welfare of the three children of its late former chairman, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen.

The fund, raised through voluntary contributions from 265 members of the council, was formally presented to the late journalist’s family on Tuesday, in Abuja.

The solemn presentation was attended by members of the council’s executive, chapel chairmen and their executives, former and serving leaders of the union, as well as other stakeholders.

The initiative followed Osadebamwen’s sudden death, with the NUJ FCT Council mobilising members and other well-meaning individuals to establish a dedicated fund for the long-term welfare of the children he left behind.

Chairman of Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, expressed sadness over the death of the former chairman while thanking God for the successful and peaceful burial of the journalist and union leader.

In her opening remarks, Comrade Ike said the council had remained closely involved with the family since the tragedy.

“Since the unfortunate passing of our former Chairman, the NUJ FCT Council has remained present and on ground. We have continued to mobilise our members and well-meaning stakeholders to support his children, and today, we are gathered to formally present the outcome of that collective effort.”

Ike disclosed that N5.01 million had been contributed by 265 members as of September 7, describing the gesture as evidence of the strong bond of solidarity within the union.

The NUJ FCT chairman emphasised that the money was not a general donation but a dedicated Trust Fund intended solely for the education and welfare of Osadebamwen’s three children.

She also urged the family to administer the fund transparently and responsibly, with the interests of the children remaining the priority.

“This fund is strictly for the education and welfare of these three children. Our responsibility does not end with raising the money; we must also ensure that it is properly administered and preserved for the purpose for which it was raised,” she said.

Presenting the dummy cheque on behalf of the council chairman, Comrade Ndambabo commended Madam Sarah Augustine, the younger sister of the late chairman and representative of the family, for her dedication to the children.

He acknowledged the sacrifices she had made in caring for them even while their parents were alive, and urged her to continue providing the children with the love, guidance and support they need following the loss of their mother and, subsequently, their father.

Responding on behalf of the family, Augustine, in an emotion-laden voice, expressed appreciation to the NUJ FCT Council leadership and members for standing by the family since Osadebamwen’s death.

“You did not abandon us when this tragedy happened. You stood by us, supported us and continued to show that these children are not alone. On behalf of the family, I sincerely appreciate the Chairman, the leadership and every member of the NUJ FCT Council”, she said.

She disclosed that she had already received notification of the N5.01 million payment into the designated account even as the formal presentation was taking place.

“Even as we are standing here for the formal presentation, I have already received the notification confirming the payment of N5,010,000. This is a huge responsibility, and I promise that we will continue to do our best to ensure that the fund is used for the education and welfare of the children, as intended,” she said.

The presentation further demonstrated the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council  to supporting its members and their families, particularly during periods of bereavement and hardship.

The initiative also provides a practical means of preserving Osadebamwen’s legacy while helping to secure the future of the three children he left behind.

It underscored the wider bonds of unionism, showing that the responsibility of the journalism community to its members can extend beyond the workplace and endure even after death.

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The convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, was reportedly barricaded by suspected hoodlums in Benue State on Tuesday.

The incident occurred along Boko Road as Obi’s convoy attempted to gain access into the state.

The mob, reportedly wielding sticks, was said to have blocked the road, preventing the NDC presidential candidate’s convoy from proceeding.

Details of the incident, including the reason for the action and whether there were casualties or damage to vehicles, were not immediately available as of press time.

Details shortly…