Police Make 46 Arrests After Peter Obi’s Convoy Was Blocked In Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons allegedly linked to the obstruction of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to the state.

According to Ireporter Online, the incident occurred on Tuesday during Obi’s visit to Benue, where he was reportedly scheduled to meet families affected by the Yelwata crisis.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the command was informed of Obi’s visit at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday and subsequently deployed security personnel to protect the former Anambra State governor.

He explained that the security arrangement included three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

However, according to the commissioner, a group of individuals later blocked Obi’s movement, creating a tense situation that had the potential to escalate into violence.

Nwadiogbu said the police deliberately exercised restraint and avoided using force at the time in order to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property.

Obi was eventually escorted safely to the airport and left the state without further incident.

The commissioner stressed that the police response should not be interpreted as inaction, saying the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those involved and establish their motives.

He confirmed that 46 suspects had so far been arrested in connection with the incident.

“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” Nwadiogbu said.

The commissioner also maintained that the police remained a neutral institution and emphasised that every citizen has a constitutional right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation.

He warned that with the 2027 general elections approaching, security agencies would not tolerate actions capable of heightening political tensions or disrupting public order.

Nwadiogbu further explained that representatives of Obi had initially informed the command that the visit was not a campaign event but a trip to families affected by the Yelwata crisis. He said they had also indicated that the former governor would travel with only a small entourage.

The commissioner added that he was personally handling another security challenge involving road blockades around Taka and Guma when he received information about the obstruction of Obi’s convoy.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The incident has generated reactions from political figures and groups, with calls for a thorough investigation into what happened and the prosecution of those responsible.

Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and calling for authorities to ensure the safety of political figures across the country.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) campaign also called for police action against those involved, describing the incident as an attempt to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The campaign rejected claims that Obi had failed to obtain prior approval for the visit, arguing that constitutional provisions guarantee citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also condemned the blockade, while calling for fairness in the media’s coverage of politically charged incidents.

Keyamo argued that regardless of whether the incident was linked to internal political disputes, alleged sponsorship by political actors or public anger over Obi’s visit to Yelwata, restricting the movement of an opposition figure was unacceptable.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and NDC National Leader Henry Dickson also condemned the incident and called for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution of those found responsible.

Ortom described the development as wrong and urged authorities to allow democratic processes to prevail, while Dickson faulted the police explanation that immediate force could have worsened the situation.

The police command has maintained that investigations are ongoing and that all persons found to have participated in the obstruction will face the appropriate legal consequences.