Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described the reported obstruction of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate Peter Obi’s visit to Yelwata in Benue State as “deeply troubling.”

In a statement, Omo-Agege said the incident represents a disturbing escalation in the politicisation of grief and public compassion.

Recall Obi had travelled to Yelwata to mourn with residents whose lives have been devastated by violence.

“Peter Obi visited Yelwata to meet residents whose lives have been devastated by violence… He went to mourn with them, offer comfort and stand in solidarity with fellow Nigerians during an exceptionally difficult time,” Omo-Agege stated. NigeriaTravel Guides

“Reports that his visit was met with organised hostility that prevented him from reaching the grieving community are unacceptable.”

The former lawmaker questioned the state of Nigeria’s politics, asking: “What kind of politics has Nigeria descended into when even mourning the dead requires political permission?”

He argued that preventing grieving families from receiving visitors has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with basic humanity.

“There is nothing democratic about deploying individuals to confront a peaceful visit. And there is nothing consistent with our shared values about turning a community’s mourning into an occasion for intimidation,” he said.

Omo-Agege stressed that Yelwata “has suffered enough” and should not be subjected to political control over who can offer condolences.

He noted that even if the visit had been for campaign purposes, the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement and association.

“This incident should concern every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation,” he warned.

“Today, it is Peter Obi being prevented from visiting grieving Nigerians. Tomorrow, it could be another political leader, another community or another group of victims. Once intimidation becomes normalised as a tool of political control, no one is safe.”

The NDC 2027 Delta Central Senatorial candidate called on authorities to launch a “thorough and transparent investigation” into the obstruction. He demanded answers on who organised, mobilised, financed and issued instructions for the act, and what role security agencies played.

“There must be no cover-up, political protection or convenient silence,” Omo-Agege said.

“The Nigerian people deserve to know who considered it acceptable to place intimidation between a grieving community and someone who came to mourn with them.”

He further stated that Yelwata’s tragedy “is not the property of the APC, PDP, Labour Party or NDC,” adding that “the dead belong to Nigeria, and their families belong to all of us.”

Omo-Agege condemned any attempt to use thuggery and political influence to obstruct acts of condolence, saying “Nigeria must not become a country where compassion is treated as a political crime.”

“Politics will come and go. Elections will come and go. Politicians will come and go. But the dead will remain dead, and the families left behind will continue to live with their pain,” he said.

“At moments such as this, leadership demands humanity. Life comes first. Human dignity comes first. Compassion comes first. Always.”

He concluded with prayers for the souls of the departed and for God to “save Nigeria from the politics of hatred, intimidation and impunity.” (The Nation)