Yelwata Indigene Apologises to Peter Obi Over Blockade, Recalls Community’s Founding History
Franc Utoo
An indigene of Yelwata in Benue State, Franc Utoo, has publicly apologised to presidential candidate Peter Obi and Nigerians over the disruption that occurred when Obi and his team attempted to visit the community.
Utoo, a British-trained lawyer, United States-certified public policy specialist and humanitarian worker, described the incident as an affront to democratic values, particularly freedom of movement and assembly.
In a statement accompanying a video posted online, Utoo apologised to President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi and Nigerians, saying the people of Yelwata had suffered repeated trauma since the deadly attack on the community in June 2025.
“For us, the victims of Yelewata, we have been hurt over and over again by the callousness entrenched by Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, since the genocide of June 13, 2025, that nothing is longer news,” he wrote.
He said the apology was necessary because Obi was attempting to visit a community that had been deeply traumatised by violence.
In the video, Utoo also placed the controversy within the historical context of Yelwata, describing himself as a great-grandson of the community’s founder and first settler.
According to him, his ancestor played a major role in the early development of Yelwata, including the establishment of its market and the provision of land for important infrastructure.
Utoo claimed that his ancestor made land available to the British colonial authorities for the construction of the road passing through Yelwata, as well as for St. Joseph Primary School and the first church in the community.
“My name is Frank Utoo. I am a native of Yelwata and a great-grandson of the founder of Yelwata,” he said.
He explained that his decision to speak publicly was driven by a sense of responsibility to acknowledge what had happened while also preserving the history and identity of the community.
