By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported obstruction of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, from entering Benue State to sympathise with victims of terrorism.
The group accused the Benue State Government of allowing what it described as a politically motivated mob action against Obi, asking why youths could allegedly be mobilised to block the opposition candidate while the state continues to grapple with deadly attacks.
In a statement on Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the incident as “vexatious, irrational, irresponsible and provocative.”
Onwubiko alleged that the youths involved in the blockade were sponsored by agents of the Benue State Government, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident raised concerns about an alleged attempt to physically harm the NDC candidate.
HURIWA also blamed Governor Hyacinth Alia for allegedly allowing the incident to occur, recalling that Obi had previously faced opposition while attempting to visit victims of attacks in the state.
The group questioned why government officials would allegedly deploy youths to prevent Obi from visiting communities affected by violence rather than mobilise them to assist efforts to protect residents from terrorists.
“Is it not a shame that the Benue State Governor couldn’t mobilise youths and equip them with the requisite weapons to stop the incessant killings of Benue civilians by terrorists but here are the youths being used for the political assignment of blocking the road so as not to allow Peter Obi to visit victims of terrorism in Benue State?” HURIWA asked.
The organisation also criticised the Federal Government for what it described as inadequate security arrangements to facilitate Obi’s movement into the state, particularly following reports that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection around the NDC presidential candidate.
HURIWA said no government at either the federal or state level had the authority to arbitrarily prevent a Nigerian citizen from exercising constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of movement and association.
The group warned that what it described as politically motivated provocation could escalate tensions and create unnecessary instability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA recalled that a tense situation was reported along the Gboko Road when suspected thugs allegedly blocked Obi’s convoy as he and members of his entourage attempted to gain access into Benue State.
According to the group, eyewitness accounts indicated that some of the individuals allegedly carried sticks and formed a blockade along the road, preventing the convoy from proceeding.
It said details surrounding the incident, including the motive for the action and whether anyone was injured, remained unclear at the time of its statement, while security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area.
HURIWA called on the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security agencies remain loyal to the Constitution and carry out their responsibilities without political considerations.
The organisation urged the security agencies to investigate the incident, arrest and prosecute anyone found to have participated in violent or unlawful obstruction.
Onwubiko said security agencies must prevent a recurrence of such incidents, particularly during the political campaign period, warning that unchecked political violence could undermine peace and democratic participation.
The HURIWA coordinator said the organisation would continue to monitor developments and demand accountability from authorities responsible for protecting citizens and political actors.
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