The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 suspects in connection with the blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.
The suspects were arrested following Tuesday’s incident along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway, where Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped by a group of youths while he was travelling towards Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Makurdi.
According to the police boss, the command had launched intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible for the obstruction after the incident created tension and raised concerns about a possible escalation.
Nwadiogbu said the police deliberately avoided using force to disperse the crowd at the scene because doing so could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
He explained that Obi was eventually escorted safely back to the airport and subsequently left the state without further incident.
The Commissioner stressed that the arrests should demonstrate that the police had not ignored the incident, adding that efforts were still ongoing to apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the obstruction.
He also warned that the command would not tolerate political intolerance or actions capable of heightening tensions as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Why Peter Obi Was in Benue
Obi had travelled to Benue for a visit that included a planned trip to Yelwata, where he intended to meet families and communities affected by the deadly 2025 attacks and express his condolences.
His convoy, however, encountered a roadblock mounted by youths on the Makurdi-Gboko road. Videos circulated after the incident showed groups of people carrying sticks and pursuing the convoy as it turned back.
Obi subsequently condemned the incident and appealed to security agencies to intervene, describing the obstruction of his movement as unacceptable.
The NDC has also condemned the incident and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.
Benue Government Denies Involvement
The Benue State Government has denied allegations that it was behind the incident or that the youths involved were acting on its behalf.
The government said it had no knowledge of any plan to obstruct Obi’s movement and rejected attempts to link Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to the incident.
Meanwhile, a document reported by Premium Times indicates that the NDC had notified the Benue Commissioner of Police ahead of Obi’s visit and requested security coverage for the presidential candidate and his entourage.
The police have reiterated that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation and warned that anyone found culpable will face the law.
With political activities intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections, the incident has further fuelled concerns about political tolerance and security during the emerging campaign season.
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