By Etop Ekanem

The South-East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (SEMATA) has condemned the attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the incident as an act of impunity and brigandage.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Emeka Emechebe, and Secretary-General, Chief Chima Eruchalu, after an emergency executive meeting in Onitsha on Thursday, the association warned that such incidents could undermine peaceful elections in 2027.

SEMATA, which represents traders of South-East extraction across Nigeria and in the diaspora, urged youths in Benue and other parts of the country not to repeat the incident.

The association stressed that all presidential candidates have a constitutional right to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly, irrespective of their political affiliation.

It commended security operatives for their handling of the incident and praised Obi for remaining calm after his convoy was reportedly blocked and vehicles in the convoy pelted with stones.

SEMATA warned against acts of lawlessness, stressing that it would neither tolerate nor support violence.

“We are a nation of laws where the rule of law prevails at all times,” the association said, adding that Nigeria must not allow political violence and instability to threaten democracy.

The association urged the Benue State Police Command to investigate the September 8 incident, identify and arrest those responsible and ensure that they face the law, irrespective of their status.

SEMATA also appealed to governments and non-state actors to allow political candidates to campaign freely and citizens to vote according to their conscience.

“Nigeria deserves peace now, during elections and after elections. No individual or group should be allowed to truncate our democracy,” it said.