-
NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is scheduled to visit Yelwata to commiserate with families of victims of the June 2025 massacre and lay a wreath at their memorial.
-
NDC governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, alleges attempts to intimidate the party and calls on security agencies to protect Obi and his supporters.
-
Benue Government dismisses the allegation as false and mischievous, insisting it has no intention of disrupting the visit.
-
Shija unveils the NDC’s proposed Rescue and Reset Agenda, with priorities including security, agriculture, solid minerals and infrastructure development.
November 11, (THEWILL) – Tension has heightened ahead of the planned visit of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to Yelwata community in Benue State, following allegations by the party of possible attempts to disrupt the visit and a strong denial by the state government.
Obi is expected to visit the community on Wednesday to commiserate with families of victims of the June 13 and 14, 2025 attacks, which claimed several lives and left many residents displaced.
The NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, who disclosed the planned visit on Tuesday in Makurdi, said Obi would pay tribute to the victims by laying a wreath at the cenotaph erected in their honour along Lafia Road, Yelwata.
He said the presidential candidate would also meet with relatives of those killed in the attacks as part of the humanitarian visit.
According to Shija, Obi would subsequently hold a town hall meeting with residents and stakeholders to present his political agenda.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Mission House, behind the Benue Links head office, Wurukum, Makurdi.
Shija clarified that Obi would not visit any government facility or Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp during the visit.
He called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, labour unions, students, women, youths and other residents to participate in the town hall meeting.
NDC Raises Alarm Over Security
The NDC governorship candidate expressed concern over the security of Obi and his supporters, recalling that an earlier attempt by the presidential candidate to visit Yelwata was allegedly disrupted by suspected political thugs.
He appealed to the Benue State Government to allow the visit to proceed without interference and urged security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to provide adequate protection.
“We call on all law enforcement agents to protect Mr Peter Obi and his supporters as they carry out their legitimate activities in Makurdi and Yelewata,” Shija said.
He assured that the NDC would not resort to violence or take the law into its hands despite what he described as attempts at intimidation.
Shija said the party remained committed to pursuing its political activities peacefully and winning the forthcoming general election.
He described Obi as a leader with integrity, compassion and vision, expressing confidence in his ability to address Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
Benue Govt Dismisses Allegation
However, the Benue State Government has denied allegations that it plans to disrupt Obi’s visit, describing the claims by the NDC governorship candidate as false, baseless and mischievous.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Lorpev, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi.
Lorpev accused the NDC of attempting to create a false narrative to portray the state government as responsible for any possible disruption of the visit and attract public sympathy.
He maintained that the government had no reason to fear Obi’s visit, stressing that Benue remained a hospitable state where every Nigerian was free to move around and interact with residents.
According to him, Governor Hyacinth Alia is focused on rebuilding the state, restoring security and delivering infrastructure and other development projects.
“The Governor has no time for distractions, and no government that is working like he is doing would risk destroying its own achievements through disorder,” he said.
The commissioner also cautioned the NDC against politicising the Yelwata tragedy, insisting that the suffering of victims and their families should not be turned into political publicity.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors to the state, adding that necessary measures would be taken to guarantee peaceful movement and interactions during the visit.
Lorpev urged the NDC to ensure that its supporters and associates conducted themselves peacefully. He also called on residents to disregard what he described as falsehoods and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
The commissioner, however, warned that security agencies would deal firmly with anyone attempting to cause disorder or undermine peace, irrespective of political affiliation.
READ ALSO:
NDC Unveils Rescue And Reset Agenda
Meanwhile, Shija has outlined the NDC’s proposed development agenda for Benue State, promising to tackle insecurity and economic challenges through what he described as a Rescue and Reset Agenda.
He expressed concern over persistent attacks on communities, destruction of livelihoods and the displacement of residents, claiming that more than 600,000 people were currently living in various IDP camps across the state.
He further alleged that insecurity had forced several schools, hospitals and markets to shut down in at least nine local government areas.
The governorship candidate said the proposed agenda would prioritise security, agriculture, solid minerals development, tourism and critical infrastructure.
According to him, Benue’s fertile agricultural land and mineral resources remain major economic assets that could drive development if properly harnessed.
He listed limestone, gold, lithium, salt, lead-zinc, coal, clay, gypsum, bauxite and bitumen among the mineral deposits in the state.
Shija said the party would promote partnerships with investors and technical experts to develop the solid minerals sector, including local processing of the resources to generate additional economic value.
He also identified the River Benue and River Katsina-Ala as important economic assets with potential for transportation and other investment opportunities.
The NDC’s proposed development strategy, he said, would focus on agriculture, mineral extraction and infrastructure development across road, rail, air and water transportation.
Shija expressed optimism that the party’s policies would reposition Benue for economic growth and prosperity.
Background to Yelwata Attack
Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, was the scene of deadly violence on the night of June 13 and into June 14, 2025, when armed assailants attacked residents, killing several people and setting houses and other properties ablaze.
The attack attracted widespread national and international condemnation and renewed concerns over persistent insecurity and the killing of residents in farming communities across Benue State.
Many residents were displaced by the violence, with survivors seeking refuge in temporary shelters and IDP camps.
The incident also intensified calls for improved security, protection of rural communities, and urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced families.
Obi’s planned visit comes amid renewed political activities ahead of the forthcoming general election and is expected to include engagements with affected families and residents of the state.
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.
