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NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, visit Yelwata, where 271 residents were killed in the June 2025 massacre.
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Obi leads wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph erected in memory of the victims, following previous unsuccessful attempts to visit the community.
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Kwankwaso announces N10 million commitment towards the education of children displaced by the attacks, while Obi pledges a motorised borehole.
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NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, announces an additional N2 million for the education of orphans affected by the massacre.
November 12, (THEWILL) – Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday visited Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where hundreds of residents were killed in the June 13–14, 2025 massacre.
The two politicians paid tribute to the victims of the attack, expressing solidarity with survivors and announcing interventions to support children whose education and livelihoods were disrupted by the violence.
During the visit, Obi led the delegation in laying a wreath at a cenotaph along Lafia Road, erected in memory of those killed when armed men invaded the community, set houses ablaze and attacked residents.
Kwankwaso announced the visit in a statement on his official Facebook account, describing Yelwata as a community still struggling with the devastating consequences of the bloodshed.
“Today, we visited the Yelwata community in Benue State, a place still bearing the deep scars of bloodshed and tragedy,” he said.
He said the delegation used the visit to honour those who lost their lives and identify with residents who survived the attack.
“His Excellency Peter Obi led us in laying a wreath at the cenotaph along Lafia Road, erected in honour of the victims of the June 13–14, 2025 attacks. We stood in solemn remembrance of the lives lost and in solidarity with the survivors,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former Kano State governor also announced a N10 million commitment towards the education of children displaced by the attacks, saying the intervention was intended to sustain their access to learning despite the disruption caused by the violence.
“We also made a N10 million commitment towards the education of displaced children in the community, so that even amid loss, hope and opportunity can still take root,” he said.
Obi also pledged to provide a motorised borehole for the community to improve access to potable water, while the NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, announced an additional N2 million to support the education of orphans affected by the massacre.
The interventions came as survivors and displaced families continued to grapple with the consequences of the attack, including the loss of relatives, homes and sources of livelihood.
Obi’s Previous Attempts to Visit Yelwata
Wednesday’s visit followed previous unsuccessful attempts by Obi to reach Yelwata and personally express his condolences to families affected by the massacre.
His first planned visit in September 2025 was affected by restrictions imposed by the Benue State Government on unscheduled visits by prominent personalities to the state.
A subsequent attempt on September 8, 2026, also ended abruptly after youths blocked the road leading from Makurdi Airport towards Yelwata, preventing his entourage from proceeding to the community.
Obi had arrived in Makurdi for the visit, during which he intended to sympathise with victims’ families and offer assistance to survivors.
The youths reportedly mounted a roadblock less than two kilometres from the airport, chanting, “Obi go back”, while some were said to be carrying sticks and throwing stones.
Faced with the obstruction, the former Anambra State governor returned to the airport rather than force his way through the crowd.
Reacting to the incident, Obi described it as “ridiculous and very, very worrisome”, questioning why he would be prevented from visiting a community whose residents had suffered such devastating losses.
He also called on security agencies to ensure that political movements and engagements were conducted peacefully, without intimidation or violence.
The Benue State Government said it was unaware of the planned visit, while the police maintained that personnel had been deployed to provide security for Obi’s movement and that the circumstances surrounding the obstruction were being investigated.
Wednesday’s visit finally enabled the NDC presidential candidate to reach the community, pay tribute to the victims and meet residents still affected by the tragedy.
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Background to Yelwata Massacre
The Yelwata massacre occurred on the night of June 13 into the early hours of June 14, 2025, when armed men invaded the community in Guma Local Government Area, attacking residents and setting homes ablaze.
The assault was particularly devastating as residents were reportedly trapped in burning buildings, including structures where displaced persons had sought refuge.
The killings attracted widespread national and international condemnation, with humanitarian organisations raising concerns over the security of vulnerable communities in Benue State.
The death toll was put at more than 270 in subsequent community and official accounts. A memorial monument erected in honour of the victims reportedly bears the names of 271 people, including men, women and children.
The attack also left thousands displaced, with many survivors forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities and internally displaced persons’ camps.
Yelwata, an agrarian community in Guma Local Government Area, has been among several communities in Benue affected by recurring violent attacks, which have disrupted farming activities, destroyed property and displaced residents.
The massacre renewed calls for stronger security measures, protection of rural communities and sustained humanitarian assistance for affected families.
In February 2026, the Federal Government filed 57 terrorism-related charges against nine suspects accused of involvement in the Yelwata killings.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accused the defendants of participating in the planning and execution of the attack, including allegedly raising funds, procuring weapons, recruiting fighters, and providing logistical support.
Prosecutors also alleged that some of the defendants held meetings in Nasarawa State to coordinate the operation before the attackers stormed Yelwata.
The prosecution followed investigations into one of the deadliest attacks recorded in Benue State in recent years.
The Wednesday visit by Obi and Kwankwaso comes as the community continues to seek assistance for survivors, particularly displaced children whose education has been disrupted by the loss of parents, homes and other sources of family support.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
