A document obtained by correspondents has shown that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, formally notified the Benue State Police Command ahead of his planned visit to Yelwata in the state. The letter, dated September 7, 2026, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Nigeria Police Force, and signed by the NDC State Chairman, Mr Ohini Ojiegbe.
Titled “Notification of Visit of His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress Party NDC to Benue State,” the letter informed the police that Obi would visit Benue on Tuesday, September 8. It stated that the presidential candidate was scheduled to arrive in Makurdi at about 8 a.m. before proceeding from the airport to Yelwata.
According to the document, the purpose of the visit was to meet family members and representatives of the community affected by the 2025 massacre, visit the memorial site, pay respects to the victims and lay a wreath in their honour. The letter added that the visit would be very brief, as the presidential candidate and his entourage would leave Yelwata and Benue State immediately after the visit before noon.
The NDC specifically requested the police to provide security cover for Obi and members of his entourage. “We request you to kindly provide security cover for him and his entourage,” the letter stated. A copy of the document seen by correspondents bears a “RECEIVED” stamp from the Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, dated September 7, 2026.
The development comes amid controversy over the disruption of Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata on Tuesday. Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by a crowd along the route to the community, preventing him from reaching the venue of the planned visit. The incident has generated conflicting claims over whether the Benue State Government was aware of Obi’s visit.
The state government had said it was not informed of the visit, while the document now shows that the NDC formally notified the state police command a day before Obi’s arrival. The letter, however, does not establish whether the Benue State Government itself received a separate notification from Obi or the NDC. The document also shows that the NDC anticipated the need for security arrangements, as it expressly requested police protection for the presidential candidate and his entourage.
