Fresh evidence has emerged challenging Benue State Government’s claims that it had no prior knowledge of Peter Obi’s visit to Yelwata, with an official letter showing that the police authorities were formally notified ahead of the trip.
The letter, issued by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Obi’s political platform, was addressed to the Benue State Commissioner of Police and sought security coverage for the presidential candidate’s planned humanitarian visit to Yelwata on September 8, 2026.
A copy of the letter shown to journalists bore an official stamp indicating that it was received by the police command.
The development has raised fresh questions over statements by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s aides that the State authorities were not informed about Obi’s visit.
The Benue State Police Command had earlier confirmed that it received notification of the visit and deployed personnel to provide security.
However, despite the security arrangements, Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Road while he was travelling to Yelwata.
Obi’s camp described those who blocked the convoy as thugs and alleged that the incident was politically motivated, with accusations directed at individuals linked to the government.
The Alia administration has denied any involvement in the incident and maintained that it had no prior knowledge of Obi’s visit.
The emergence of the notification letter has now intensified the controversy, particularly over whether formally notifying the police constituted sufficient notice to the state government and who authorised or organised the roadblock.
The incident has triggered renewed calls for an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the disruption and determine whether any individuals or groups acted unlawfully.