The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons allegedly involved in obstructing the movement of the presidential candidate of NDC, Peter Obi during his visit to the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, while briefing journalists on the incident on Wednesday in Makurdi said the suspects were arrested during intelligence-led operations launched after Obi’s movement was disrupted.
Nwadiogbu said the command was informed of Obi’s visit at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7, prompting the deployment of enhanced security, including three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
He said Obi’s movement was later obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have escalated into violence.
According to the commissioner, the police made a professional and tactical decision not to use force immediately to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property. He said Obi was eventually escorted safely to the airport and departed the state peacefully.
Nwadiogbu stressed that the decision to avoid the immediate use of force should not be interpreted as police inaction, adding that the command promptly commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible.
“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.
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The commissioner maintained that the police remained a neutral and professional institution, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief. “No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
Nwadiogbu said investigations were ongoing and that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.
The commissioner also explained that Obi’s visit had been presented to the command as a non-campaign visit to families affected by the Yelwata crisis.
He said Obi’s representatives had indicated that only a small number of people would accompany him, prompting the command to provide enhanced VIP security.
Nwadiogbu further disclosed that he was personally handling a separate security crisis involving road blockades around Taka and Guma when he received information about the obstruction of Obi’s convoy.
He said the command had deployed undercover personnel to identify those responsible for the incident and determine their motives.
Nwadiogbu warned that, with the country approaching a sensitive political period ahead of the 2027 elections, security agencies would not allow actions capable of escalating tensions to go unchecked.
He assured residents that the police would continue to act professionally while enforcing the law and protecting lives and property.
NAN
