Obi offers ₦15 million for Yelewata massacre victims and nursing college

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised ₦15 million to help survivors and families affected by the June 2025 massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Obi made this announcement on Wednesday after visiting the community. He met with families who suffered from the attack.

He pledged ₦10 million to support the education of children who lost their parents in the massacre. He also promised ₦5 million for a borehole to provide clean water.

"No child should be forced to let the tragedy that has affected their family determine the course of their future," Obi said.

He admitted that the financial help could not replace the lives lost or ease the pain of the survivors.

"Although no financial contribution can restore the lives lost or remove the suffering endured by their loved ones, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to renew hope, preserve dignity, and create opportunities for those affected," he added.

The Yelewata community suffered an attack in June 2025, which left many dead and others displaced. The incident drew attention from both national and international observers due to ongoing violence against rural communities in Benue.

During his visit, Obi also promised an extra ₦10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences in Gboko. This college was set up by the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, William Avenya.

He said he has supported the college since it started and made this new pledge to strengthen its work. "Supporting education and healthcare is an investment in our collective future," he stated.

Obi also visited the Tor Tiv in Gboko. There, he discussed development, peace, and the welfare of the people.

His visit to Yelewata came after some disagreements with the Benue State Government about his planned visits to areas affected by violence.

On September 8, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Obi's convoy had to turn back after suspected thugs and security personnel confronted it on Gboko Road in Makurdi.

His campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, claimed that these men were sent to stop Obi from entering the state. The NDC governorship candidate, Terhemba Shija, also accused the state government of involvement. These allegations have not been verified independently.

In April 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia had warned Obi against making an unscheduled visit to internally displaced persons in the state, citing security and protocol concerns.

Before his visit on Wednesday, Shija again accused the state government of planning to disrupt Obi’s movement to Yelewata. The government denied this, saying it had no plans to interfere with the visit and would ensure safety for all visitors.

After his visit, Obi thanked Governor Alia. He said he had contacted him before going to Benue, and the governor had returned his call to assure him of a warm welcome.

The visit ended with a town hall meeting in Makurdi. Obi was joined by his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other NDC candidates in the state.