They’re Playing With Fire – Sowore Speaks on Attack on Obi in Benue
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the alleged attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Sowore described the incident as an apparent “state-sponsored blockade and attack,” and warned those responsible that they were “playing with fire” by undermining the democratic rights of Nigerians.
In a statement posted on his social media handles on Tuesday, Sowore said he had watched videos purportedly showing the incident as Obi attempted to enter Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He accused agents of the Benue State Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu of engaging in political brigandage.
The human rights activist insisted that no presidential candidate should be prevented from moving freely or carrying out legitimate political activities through violence or intimidation.
“I have watched videos showing what appears to be a state-sponsored blockade and attack on NDC presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi as he attempted to enter the state capital to carry out legitimate campaign activities,” Sowore said.
He added, “I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage by agents of the state government and the Tinubu regime. This is totally unacceptable.
“No candidate should be prevented through violence, intimidation or state-sponsored thuggery from campaigning freely anywhere in Nigeria.
“Those behind these cowardly attacks are toying with fire and threatening the democratic rights of all Nigerians. They must desist immediately before it is too late.”
The reaction followed reports that suspected thugs allegedly blocked a major access road shortly after Obi arrived in Benue, preventing his convoy from proceeding into Makurdi.
The incident reportedly generated tension as the former Anambra State governor attempted to visit victims of the recent violence in Yelwata.
Obi, while reacting to the development, lamented what he described as the declining quality of political engagement in Nigeria.
He maintained that his visit to Benue was humanitarian and not primarily campaign-related, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to override the need for national unity.
“You can see the level to which our politics has degenerated,” Obi said.
The alleged attack has continued to spark reactions amid growing concerns over political violence and the conduct of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has introduced fresh directives for schools across the state as pupils and students resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, announced a ban on compulsory extra lessons in schools during a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.
Under the directive, schools are prohibited from compelling pupils and students to remain after regular school hours for additional lessons.
Adamu said Parent-Teacher Associations seeking to organise extra lessons must obtain approval from the Ministry of Education, while participation by learners must remain voluntary.
“There shall be no lessons after regular school hours. Any PTA requesting extra lessons must seek approval from the Ministry and must not make it compulsory,” she said
The commissioner warned proprietors, principals and school administrators that institutions found violating the directive would face sanctions.
She also directed schools to use only approved textbooks and barred institutions from forcing parents to purchase customised or non-transferable books.y
According to her, textbook costs must not be incorporated into school fees, while parents should be free to purchase approved textbooks either from their schools or other authorised sources.
Adamu further reiterated the state government’s restriction on graduation ceremonies for pupils in Early Childhood Care, Development and Education, Lower Basic and Middle Basic classes.
She said graduation ceremonies would only be allowed for recognised exit classes, including Basic 9, Senior Secondary School 3 and Technical 3.y
The commissioner also warned schools against violent birthday celebrations, particularly practices involving physical handling or assault of celebrants.
She directed school authorities to enforce existing rules against bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and other violent practices among learners.
