By Our Reporter
08, September 2026
The reported obstruction of Mr. Peter Obi’s condolence visit to Yelwata in Benue State has prompted a call for investigation and accountability.
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a statement, called on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
Mr. Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, was reported to have visited Yelwata to commiserate with families affected by recent violence in the community.
Senator Omo-Agege alleged that the visit was obstructed, describing the reported development as a “national disgrace.” He said such an incident should not be allowed to fade without clarification.
According to him, the key issues arising from the reports are who was allegedly responsible for the obstruction, how it was organised, and what role, if any, security agencies played before, during and after the incident.
He called for what he described as a thorough, independent and transparent investigation to establish:
– Who allegedly organised and mobilised those involved;
– The source of funding, if any;
– Who allegedly issued instructions;
– Whether political actors were involved; and
– Whether security agencies were notified in advance and what actions were taken.
Omo-Agege said Nigerians deserve factual clarifications rather than political exchanges, adding that there should be no cover-up or selective silence.
He stated that if any unlawful obstruction is established, those found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation.
The former lawmaker also raised questions over the reported security response, asking whether security agencies were aware of the alleged confrontation and what measures were taken to ensure freedom of movement.
He warned that failure to investigate the allegation could set a negative precedent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Today, it is Peter Obi being prevented from visiting grieving Nigerians. Tomorrow, it could be another political leader, another community or another group of victims,” he said.
Omo-Agege said the tragedy in Yelwata should not be politicised, noting that “Yelwata’s tragedy is not the property of the APC, PDP, Labour Party or NDC. The dead belong to Nigeria, and their families belong to all of us.”
He argued that even if the visit had political undertones, constitutional rights to freedom of movement and association should be respected, but stressed that the reported purpose was to mourn with bereaved families.
“No one should need a party card to mourn with the bereaved,” he said.
He further stated that if the investigation establishes that political influence was used to determine who could visit affected communities, it would raise concerns about democratic norms and the rule of law.
“If anyone in authority believes that political power gives them the right to determine who may visit victims of violence, they have fundamentally misunderstood the responsibilities of public office,” he said.
Omo-Agege, who is also aspiring for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections on the platform of the NDC, said accountability should extend beyond those physically present to include alleged organisers, financiers and enablers, if any are identified.
He expressed condolences to the victims and families affected by the violence in Yelwata and said political competition should not override human dignity.
“Politics will come and go. Elections will come and go. Politicians will come and go. But the dead will remain dead, and the families left behind will continue to live with their pain,” he said.
He concluded with a call for compassion and respect for human life, adding, “Life comes first. Human dignity comes first. Compassion comes first. Always.”
As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Benue State and security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the alleged obstruction.
