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Peter Obi alleges thugs blocked visit to Yelwata massacre victims in Benue
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that suspected hired thugs obstructed his visit to Yelwata community in Benue State, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in a deadly attack.
Obi made the allegation in a statement following his arrival in Benue on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, saying he had travelled to the state on a humanitarian mission to commiserate with families affected by the killings.
According to him, he arrived in Benue at about 9:00 a.m. but his convoy was prevented from proceeding to the affected community by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
Obi described the incident as distressing, stressing that his visit was not politically motivated but intended to mourn with the bereaved, listen to affected families and offer solidarity following the tragedy.
He said the obstruction was particularly troubling at a time when Nigerians should be united in grief and focused on preventing further loss of lives.
The former governor recalled that he had consistently promoted political civility, citing his attendance the previous day at the opening of the national campaign office of opposition presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Abuja.
He said his presence at the event was meant to demonstrate that political differences should not prevent mutual respect and civility.
Obi also recalled that while serving as governor of Anambra State, he personally welcomed visiting opposition members during election campaigns, provided their activities remained within the law.
He condemned what he described as efforts to deepen political divisions, insisting that Nigerians should be able to live, travel and farm without fear.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions,” Obi said.
He maintained that the primary responsibility of government was to protect human life, arguing that political considerations should never take precedence over the safety and security of citizens.
Although he could not reach Yelwata as planned, Obi said his thoughts and prayers remained with the victims, their families and the entire community.
He pledged to continue advocating for the protection of Nigerian lives, concluding with his familiar declaration: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
By Philippine Violet
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as significant achievements in infrastructure development, job creation, and youth and women empowerment across the state.
The association, in a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, said Yobe had witnessed what it described as a major transformation under Buni’s administration since 2019.
KACRAN said the development recorded across the state was particularly noticeable in Damaturu, the state capital, as well as other major towns and local government areas.
According to the association, the progress was partly driven by continuity in governance and the completion of projects inherited from previous administrations.
“Anyone who left Yobe State before its creation in 1991 and returns today would hardly believe his eyes,” the association said, citing the transformation of Damaturu and other parts of the state.
KACRAN singled out the Yobe State International Cargo Airport as one of the major projects it said had positioned the state for increased economic activity.
The association said the airport, completed to what it described as international standards, could enhance trade, agricultural activities and economic opportunities in the state and the wider region.
It also highlighted the construction of a major flyover in Damaturu, saying the project had helped address traffic congestion in the state capital and improved movement for residents and travellers.
Other projects cited by the association include road construction, drainage networks, culverts, modern roundabouts, government office complexes, hospitals and a multi-billion-naira stadium.
KACRAN said development projects were also ongoing across several local government areas and major towns in the state.
The association further praised the governor for providing luxury buses and taxis intended to offer affordable intra-city transportation to civil servants and residents.
On human capital development, KACRAN commended the Buni administration for what it described as the employment of thousands of youths since 2019.
The association said the beneficiaries had been deployed across different sectors to contribute to the development of the state and the country.
It also praised the administration’s youth and women empowerment programmes, particularly initiatives involving skills acquisition and the provision of start-up capital.
According to KACRAN, such programmes could help beneficiaries establish businesses, improve household incomes and contribute to efforts to address insecurity through economic empowerment.
The association also commended Yobe State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Umar Mohammed Wakil, popularly known as “Duddaye,” for his role in supervising infrastructure projects across the state.
KACRAN described the commissioner as diligent and committed to ensuring that projects under his ministry were delivered according to required standards.
It specifically mentioned his involvement in the supervision of the International Cargo Airport, Damaturu flyover, roads, drainage systems and culverts.
The association also praised Wakil for what it described as his simplicity, accessibility, loyalty to the administration and respect for residents.
KACRAN urged governors serving their second terms in office to prioritize the completion of inherited and ongoing projects rather than abandoning them.
The association also called for greater investment in youth and women empowerment, arguing that increased economic opportunities could contribute to reducing unemployment and insecurity.
It similarly urged commissioners of works across the country to be proactive and committed to delivering durable infrastructure that would serve communities for years.
The association also expressed condolences to Hon. Barr. Sale Samanja, running mate to the APC governorship candidate, over the death of his younger sister, Hajiya Rabi Samanja.
KACRAN also condoled with the Director of Planning in the Office of the Head of Service, Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Sabo, over the death of his son, Abdulmajid Abubakar Sabo.
The association prayed for the repose of the deceased and for Allah to grant their families the strength to bear the losses.
“So help us God,” the statement concluded.
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