Police Arrest 46 Suspects Over Obi’s Convoy Blockade in Benue

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

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Makurdi, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched after Tuesday’s incident.

Obi’s convoy was blocked by a group of youths along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway while he was travelling towards Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where he was scheduled to meet communities affected by the June 2025 attacks.

Nwadiogbu said the police command was informed about Obi’s visit at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7, and subsequently deployed security personnel to protect him during his movement in the state.

He said three police escort vehicles, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, were deployed for the assignment.

According to the commissioner, the situation became tense when a group of people obstructed Obi’s movement, creating circumstances that could have escalated into violence.

He explained that officers at the scene made a tactical decision not to immediately use force in order to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property.

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

The police commissioner stressed that the decision to avoid confrontation should not be interpreted as inaction, saying the command immediately began intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible.

He confirmed that 46 suspects had been arrested, while investigations continued to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other persons who may have been involved.

Nwadiogbu warned that no individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement, regardless of political affiliation, status or personal beliefs.

He said the police would remain neutral and professional in handling the investigation and assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the law.

The commissioner appealed for calm as investigations continue, amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.