A letter obtained by PREMIUM TIMES has shown that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) notified the Benue State Police Command ahead of presidential candidate Peter Obi’s visit to the state, which was disrupted by suspected thugs on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The development contradicts an earlier claim by the Benue State Government that it was unaware of Obi’s visit and that no security arrangements had been made ahead of his movement. The government had argued that such a visit should have been communicated to relevant security agencies to allow adequate protection.
The letter, dated September 7 and signed by the NDC Chairman in Benue State, Ohini Ojegbe, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police in the state. It informed the command that Obi was expected to arrive in Makurdi at about 8 a.m. on September 8 before proceeding to Yelwata to meet families and representatives of the community affected by the 2025 killings.
The letter also stated that Obi planned to visit the memorial site, pay his respects to the victims and lay a wreath in their honour. The NDC specifically requested security cover for Obi and his entourage, noting that the visit would be brief and that they would leave Yelwata and the state before noon. A copy of the letter bears a “RECEIVED” stamp from the Benue State Police Command dated September 7.
A police officer identified as Superintendent Daniel Tarwa confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the command received the letter and provided security cover for Obi. Separately, Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu said the command was informed of Obi’s visit at about 5:30 p.m. on September 7 and subsequently deployed security personnel, including three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Despite the security deployment, Obi’s convoy was blocked along Gboko Road near the Air Force Base in Makurdi by a group of people who reportedly carried sticks and other objects and pursued the vehicles as they attempted to leave. The convoy eventually turned back. The incident sparked allegations of political sponsorship, although those allegations have not been independently established.
The police have since arrested 46 people allegedly linked to the obstruction. Commissioner Nwadiogbu said the command deployed undercover personnel to identify those involved and determine their motives, while warning that security agencies would not tolerate actions capable of heightening political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the letter only establishes that the police were notified. It does not establish that Governor Hyacinth Alia or the Benue State Government separately received advance notice of Obi’s visit. The state government has also denied involvement in the disruption, while investigations into the incident continue.
