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Benue State political feud erupts after Peter Obi's convoy is blocked
A political confrontation has erupted in Benue State following the disruption of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy. On Tuesday, suspected thugs blocked Obi’s motorcade near the Air Force Base in Makurdi, preventing him from reaching Yelewata to commiserate with victims of recent killings. The Benue State Police Command reported that 46 people have been arrested in connection with the obstruction.
The incident has sparked a fierce dispute between current Governor Hyacinth Alia and former Governor Samuel Ortom. The Alia administration accused Ortom of providing logistics for Obi’s visit, specifically alleging that Ortom’s Toyota Land Cruiser was used to transport the NDC candidate. Ortom dismissed these claims as “petty” and “shameful,” stating he lent the vehicle as a gesture of courtesy to a fellow statesman.
Political tensions are high as the 2027 election cycle approaches. The NDC has alleged state government involvement in the blockade, while Governor Alia’s office accused Ortom of working covertly for the opposition. Separately, Peter Obi condemned a recent attack in Ayilamo, Benue State, which left 11 people dead, including four police officers, calling for increased security to protect all citizens.
Entities
Benue State · Hyacinth Alia · Nigeria Democratic Congress · Peter Obi · Samuel Ortom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Peter Obi's convoy was blocked by suspected thugs near the Air Force Base in Makurdi, Benue State. advocatengr.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Terhemba Shija, alleged the thugs were sponsored by the state government. advocatengr.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Governor Hyacinth Alia accused former Governor Samuel Ortom of working covertly for Peter Obi and the NDC. thepodiummedia.com · ait.live
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NRM presidential candidate Dr. Esther Okereke stated the blockade of Obi's motorcade violated a recent political peace accord. nannews.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] Governor Alia claimed Ortom provided an SUV to transport Obi after an attack on the NDC candidate. thepodiummedia.com · ait.live
- [● 5 SOURCES] Samuel Ortom confirmed he lent his Toyota Land Cruiser to Peter Obi as a gesture of courtesy. dailytrust.com · www.statepress.ng · tribuneonlineng.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Benue State Police Command arrested 46 people in connection with the obstruction of Peter Obi's movement. citylawyermag.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An attack in Ayilamo, Benue State, killed 11 people, including four police officers. dailyreport.ng