‘Mob Stopped Obi, But Couldn’t Stop Terrorists’ – HURIWA Knocks Benue Govt

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, along the Gboko Road in Benue State.

HURIWA, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the incident as “lawless, reckless and misdirected,” alleging that the protesters may have been mobilised to prevent Obi from entering the state.

The rights group questioned why youths could be mobilised to block Obi from visiting Benue while the state has continued to grapple with deadly attacks on civilians.

“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,” HURIWA said.

Obi was reportedly travelling to Benue to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in the state when his convoy encountered the blockade along Gboko Road.

According to reports cited by HURIWA, the group involved in the incident comprised men and youths, with some allegedly carrying sticks. They reportedly blocked the road and prevented Obi’s convoy from proceeding.

The circumstances surrounding the protest, including who organised the protesters and their exact motivation, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

HURIWA, however, alleged that the incident could have been politically motivated and expressed concern that the confrontation might have been intended to provoke violence.

The organisation also criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing the Benue State Government of failing to protect Obi’s constitutional right to freedom of movement.

HURIWA recalled that Obi had previously faced opposition when he sought to visit Benue to commiserate with victims of attacks, claiming that the state government had argued that an opposition politician could not be allowed to make such a visit.

The rights group further faulted the Federal Government for what it described as inadequate security arrangements to facilitate Obi’s movement into the state.

It called on the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security agencies remain politically neutral and protect the constitutional rights of all Nigerians.

HURIWA also urged the police to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found to have committed offences during the blockade.

The group warned that allowing political thuggery and road blockades to go unchecked could heighten political tension as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

“There is no known law allowing any government at the subnational or national level to prevent a Nigerian citizen from enjoying the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedoms of movement, association and information,” HURIWA said.

The organisation urged authorities to prevent a recurrence of the incident and ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence.