By Joyce Ekeh
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has criticised the reported blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, while attempting to enter Benue State, saying greater attention should be directed towards protecting residents from persistent attacks.
HURIWA said Obi was travelling to the state to commiserate with victims of recent attacks and described the reported incident as unfortunate.
In a press statement issued Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the organisation said the reported confrontation should be investigated and urged security agencies to ensure that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or obstruction.
HURIWA said: “The mob that stopped Peter Obi failed to stop terrorists killing innocent Benue people.”
The organisation said it was particularly concerned that a visit intended to sympathise with victims of insecurity had reportedly been disrupted.
It urged the authorities to establish exactly what happened along the Gboko Road, identify those responsible for any unlawful conduct and ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
HURIWA questioned the rationale for preventing Obi’s convoy from proceeding into the state, arguing that political differences should not interfere with humanitarian visits to communities affected by violence.
The group said: “There is no known law allowing any government at the subnational or national level to prevent a Nigerian citizen from enjoying the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedoms of movement, association and information.”
It called on the Benue State Government and security agencies to ensure that political activities and public visits are conducted peacefully and within the law.
‘Focus should be on security’
HURIWA also used the incident to draw attention to the wider security crisis confronting Benue communities.
The organisation said government at all levels should prioritise the protection of lives and property and ensure that residents affected by attacks receive adequate support.
It asked: “Is it not a shame that the Benue State Governor couldn’t mobilise youths and equip them with the requisite weapons to stop the incessant killings of Benue civilians by terrorists, but here are the youths being used for the political assignment of blocking the road so as not to allow Peter Obi to visit victims of terrorism in Benue State?”
However, HURIWA did not provide evidence to establish who organised or directed the reported blockade.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred Monday along Gboko Road as Obi and members of his entourage attempted to enter Benue State.
Eyewitness accounts reportedly said a group of youths blocked the road, with some allegedly carrying sticks.
Security operatives were said to have arrived at the scene as efforts were made to manage the situation.
Details surrounding the incident, including the precise motive for the blockade and whether anyone was injured, remained unclear.
Calls for investigation
HURIWA called on the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security agencies protect citizens and maintain political neutrality.
The group said any person found to have committed an offence should face the appropriate legal process.
“The security agencies must be up and doing and stop this sort of idiocy from repeating itself so as to avoid causing political uprising in the country,” HURIWA said.
It urged the police to investigate reports that some individuals at the scene were carrying sticks and stones and take appropriate action if the investigation establishes that any law was broken.
HURIWA also called for adequate security arrangements around major political figures and urged all political actors and their supporters to avoid actions capable of escalating tension.
The organisation said the incident should serve as a reminder that disagreements over politics should not prevent citizens from showing solidarity with communities affected by violence.
