The Benue State Government has demanded that Peter Obi and the NDC identify the aide they accused of blocking the presidential candidate’s convoy during his attempted visit to Yelewata community. The government also challenged Obi’s camp to provide evidence linking the alleged aide to the incident, saying the police could investigate and prosecute anyone found […]

The Benue State Government has demanded that Peter Obi and the NDC identify the aide they accused of blocking the presidential candidate’s convoy during his attempted visit to Yelewata community.

The government also challenged Obi’s camp to provide evidence linking the alleged aide to the incident, saying the police could investigate and prosecute anyone found responsible.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, made the demand on Wednesday while speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show.

Kula said the state government was unaware of the alleged obstruction when it occurred, adding that officials only became aware of the incident after photographs showing the confrontation surfaced online.

The controversy erupted after Obi’s convoy was allegedly prevented from reaching Yelewata during his visit to Benue, with the NDC accusing an aide linked to the state government of being responsible.

Kula said he had challenged the party and its presidential candidate to identify the official they were accusing rather than leaving the allegation unresolved.

“I challenged them that they should name that aide. They mentioned a particular aide, and we said they should go ahead and mention him,” he said.

The governor’s spokesperson said evidence should also be provided so that the police could determine who was behind the alleged obstruction and take appropriate action.

He maintained that anyone found to have directed the incident should be arrested and brought to book, arguing that the matter could easily be resolved if the alleged official was identified.

Kula also rejected claims that the Benue Government deliberately blocked Obi’s movement, saying the administration only learnt about the incident after pictures of the confrontation began circulating on the internet.

The issue has added to the political tension surrounding Obi’s activities in Benue, particularly as political parties and presidential contenders intensify preparations for the 2027 election.

Speaking about the state’s security situation, Kula acknowledged that Benue continued to face serious challenges but noted that similar insecurity was affecting several other states.

He stressed, however, that the widespread nature of the problem was not an excuse for the government to become complacent, saying Governor Alia remained committed to reducing insecurity to the barest minimum.

According to Kula, the state had achieved what he described as relative peace, although he acknowledged that the government remained concerned about the safety of residents and continued to work towards improving security.