Benue: Police Arrest 46 Suspects for Obstructing Obi’s Convoy

The Benue police command says it has arrested 46 persons allegedly linked to the obstruction of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to the state on Tuesday.

Cletus Nwadiogbu, Benue commissioner of police, announced the development on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Makurdi, the state capital.

Nwadiogbu said the command was notified of Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday and subsequently deployed security personnel, including three police escort vehicles led by an assistant commissioner of police.

He said a group of persons later blocked Obi’s movement, creating tension that could have escalated into violence.

The commissioner said the police opted not to use force immediately in order to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property.

He said Obi was eventually escorted safely to the airport and left the state.

Nwadiogbu said the decision not to use force should not be interpreted as police inaction, adding that the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those behind the incident.

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

The commissioner said the police remained neutral and professional, noting that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief.

Nwadiogbu said the investigation was ongoing and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged residents to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.

“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.

The commissioner said Obi’s visit had been presented to the command as a non-campaign trip to sympathise with families affected by the Yelwata crisis.

He said Obi’s representatives had informed the police that only a small number of people would accompany him, prompting the command to provide enhanced security.

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