Rights Group Condemns Benue Governor Over Thugs Blocking Peter Obi’s Convoy
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the Benue State Government following reports that a mob blocked the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along the Gboko Road.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by HURIWA National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group mocked the state administration.
They questioned why the government could mobilise youth to disrupt political opponents but failed to stop terrorists from killing innocent citizens in the state.
‘Sponsored Youth’ Block Federal Highway
HURIWA described the incident as a “lawless, reckless, and misdirected” act. The group alleged that the unruly youth were sponsored by agents of the Benue State administration under Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“We view this act of depravity as an attempt to spark off violence and try to physically harm Peter Obi to create a national state of anomie and anarchy,” Onwubiko stated. “There is no known law allowing any government to prevent a Nigerian citizen from enjoying the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedoms of movement, association, and information.”
Outrage Over Security Priorities
The rights group expressed deep concern over the irony of the situation. They noted that the state government has struggled to protect its citizens from brutal genocidal attacks by Fulani terrorists, yet managed to deploy a mob for political suppression.
“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?” HURIWA asked. “But here are the youths being used for the political assignment of blocking the road.”
HURIWA also extended blame to the Federal Government for failing to deploy sufficient armed security forces to guarantee Obi’s safe passage. It said the failure occurred despite reported directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to beef up security for the presidential candidate before his three-week vacation to Europe.
Call for Immediate Arrests Ahead of January Elections
With the country preparing for the January 2027 presidential election, HURIWA warned that unchecked political thuggery could trigger a national uprising. The association called on the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police to maintain institutional neutrality. They urged law enforcement to immediately arrest and prosecute the armed individuals involved in the blockade.
