Tension gripped Benue State on Tuesday after suspected thugs allegedly blocked a major road and attacked the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, shortly after his arrival in the state.

The incident was disclosed by Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, who shared videos of the development on her X handle.

According to Umoh, the alleged attack occurred along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base, as Obi and members of his entourage attempted to gain access into the state.

“We have just arrived in Benue State, where alleged sponsored thugs have blocked Boko Road by the Air Force Base, attempting to prevent Peter Obi from gaining access into the state,” she wrote.

In another video posted by the aide, some individuals were seen running after vehicles believed to be part of Obi’s convoy.

Umoh alleged that the individuals were attempting to attack the entourage, although their identities, affiliations and motives could not be independently established as of the time of filing this report.

The incident reportedly caused tension around the route as Obi’s team attempted to proceed with its activities in the state.

Reacting to the development, Obi said his visit to Benue was not for political campaigning but to commiserate with victims of violence and express solidarity with affected communities.

“I am in Benue today not for campaigns. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives, to condole and show solidarity with them,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also condemned what he described as the deteriorating nature of Nigerian politics, arguing that political differences should not override the need for unity.

“You can see the level to which our politics has degenerated,” he said.

Obi recalled that he had earlier appealed for a more united political environment while attending the opening of an office of the APM candidate.

“That was why yesterday, while joining the APM candidate in launching his office, I used the opportunity to plead with our people, let our next politics be a politics of unity,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Benue State Government nor the police had issued an official statement confirming or denying the alleged attack.