According to posts circulating on X, Obi and his entourage had arrived in the state when they encountered an obstruction along Boko Road, near the Air Force Base.
Esther Umoh, a photographer who accompanied Obi, claimed that the road was blocked by what she described as “alleged sponsored thugs”, preventing the opposition politician from proceeding into the state.
In a subsequent post, Umoh alleged that Obi wanted to continue with his journey but was being prevented from doing so by security personnel at the scene.
The reports have generated reactions on social media, with some supporters expressing anger over the development and calling on Obi to proceed despite the alleged blockade.
The incident has attracted attention because of the political history surrounding Obi’s visits to Benue and his relationship with the state government.
Benue is governed by Hyacinth Alia, who was elected governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election and was sworn into office on May 29, 2023.
Before joining politics, Alia was an ordained Catholic priest.
In April 2025, the governor had cautioned Obi against visiting Benue for a planned humanitarian outreach, saying that visits without the required approval and security arrangements could not be guaranteed to be safe.
The disagreement followed Obi’s plans to visit the state in support of internally displaced persons.
In July 2025, the Benue State Government issued another warning concerning visits by high-profile individuals.
A notice signed by Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, stated that the governor was not expecting any “August visitor” and warned groups and prominent individuals planning visits that could attract political gatherings to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns.
The notice was subsequently linked to criticism of the governor over his position on Obi’s activities in the state.
Tuesday’s reported confrontation comes as political parties and their candidates intensify activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Details surrounding the alleged blockade, including the identities of those involved and whether any official directive was issued to prevent Obi from entering the state, were not immediately clear.
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