Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, alongside his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has visited Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State to honour victims of the deadly attacks of June 13 and 14, 2025.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, provided an opportunity for the political leaders to identify with survivors, families of those killed and residents whose lives were affected by the violence.
During the visit, Obi laid a wreath at the memorial erected in honour of the victims. He reportedly knelt before the cenotaph and offered prayers for those who lost their lives, their families and the community.
The attack, which occurred in June 2025, left hundreds of people dead and displaced several residents. Reports on the visit put the death toll at 271, although casualty figures have varied across accounts of the incident.
As part of the humanitarian engagement, Obi pledged ₦10 million in educational support for vulnerable children affected by the attacks, particularly those who lost their parents. The intervention is intended to help preserve their access to education despite the hardship caused by the violence.
The former governor also promised to provide motorised boreholes to improve access to water in the community. He further asked residents to prepare and submit an estimate of their healthcare needs as part of proposed assistance to address medical challenges confronting affected families.
Obi expressed concern over the security situation in the country and assured residents that, if elected president, his administration would prioritise the protection of lives and property and prevent a recurrence of the tragedy witnessed in Yelwata.
He also pledged to strengthen security for farmers and other Nigerians engaged in agriculture, create business opportunities for young people and expand access to employment.
Kwankwaso, who accompanied Obi during the visit, joined the delegation in paying tribute to the victims and expressing solidarity with the affected community.
The NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Professor Terhemba Shija, also announced an additional ₦2 million towards the education of orphans affected by the massacre.
The Yelwata visit was part of the delegation’s engagements in Benue State, which included a town hall meeting in Makurdi with residents and stakeholders.
Obi’s visit followed previous unsuccessful attempts to reach the community. An earlier planned visit in 2025 did not take place, while another attempt in September 2026 was disrupted after youths reportedly prevented his convoy from proceeding from Makurdi Airport towards Yelwata. The Benue State Government had denied allegations that it planned to stop the visit.
The latest engagement has again drawn attention to the continuing humanitarian consequences of the 2025 attacks and the challenges facing communities affected by insecurity in Benue State.
For residents of Yelwata, the educational and water-support pledges represent proposed interventions for families still dealing with the loss of loved ones, displacement and disruption to their livelihoods.
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