On September 8, 2026, the convoy of opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi was blocked by youths along the Makurdi–Gboko federal highway in Benue State while he was traveling to Yelwata to commiserate with families affected by the June 2025 massacre. The Benue State Government denied sponsoring the blockade and stated it had not been formally informed of Obi's visit. However, the state police command confirmed it had been notified of Obi's arrival and had deployed three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, according to a notification letter dated September 7, 2026. The incident has raised concerns about the health of Nigeria's democracy and the ability of an opposition candidate to move freely without obstruction or intimidation.
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