Obi’s Yelwata Visit Disruption Was Politically Orchestrated to Tarnish Benue Govt — Gbenda

A community leader in Benue State, Lubem Gbenda, has alleged that former Governor Samuel Ortom orchestrated the disruption of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, in order to discredit the state government.

Gbenda, who is President of the Lobi Consultative Forum, made the claim during an interview on Arise TV.

He accused Ortom of convening meetings at his residence and providing vehicles to mobilize people, creating the impression that the Benue government blocked Obi’s access to the community.

“The evidence is very clear. His house was used for a meeting. Most of the vehicles used during that visit were donated by him,” Gbenda said.

The allegations were challenged during the interview, with the host cautioning Gbenda against making accusations without sufficient proof.

However, Gbenda insisted Ortom had admitted to hosting meetings and lending vehicles, which he argued supported his claims.

He further alleged that Ortom was attempting to maintain ties with both Obi and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the former governor as trying to “be a good person to Peter Obi in the night and, at the same time, be a good person to Mr President in the daytime.”

Gbenda criticized politicians for exploiting Benue’s insecurity for political gain, urging them to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than tragedies suffered by communities.

He also called on leaders visiting conflict-affected areas to properly notify authorities to ensure adequate security.

The community leader expressed confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia’s assurances that suspects arrested over the 2025 Yelwata killings would face prosecution.

He praised ongoing road construction and resettlement efforts, noting that improved access had enabled security forces to reach previously isolated communities.

Gbenda concluded by urging political parties, traditional institutions, and community leaders to work together to prevent youths from being recruited into political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

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