Police Arrest 46 Suspects Over Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue
By Victor Idajili
The Benue State Police Command says 46 people have been arrested in connection with the obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy in the state on Tuesday.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, was in Benue to visit families affected by the Yelwata crisis in Guma Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the command received notice of the visit at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday. He said security was deployed, including three escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Despite this, a group of youths blocked Obi’s movement, creating tension that could have turned violent.
To avoid casualties, Nwadiogbu said police chose not to use force immediately. Obi was later escorted back to the airport and left the state without further incident.
“The tactical restraint should not be mistaken for inaction,” the CP said. “We immediately launched intelligence-led operations and deployed undercover personnel to identify those responsible.”
He confirmed that 46 suspects have so far been picked up, with efforts ongoing to arrest others linked to the incident.
“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.
Nwadiogbu stressed that the police remain neutral and that every citizen has the right to free movement, regardless of political affiliation. With the 2027 elections approaching, he warned that security agencies will not tolerate acts that could inflame political tensions.
He also clarified that Obi’s team had described the trip as a non-campaign visit with a small entourage. The CP said he was personally handling another security issue involving road blockades in Taka and Guma when news of the obstruction came in.
Those found culpable, he added, will face prosecution.
Political reactions
The incident has drawn condemnation from across the political divide, with calls for a full investigation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo, described the disruption as “unacceptable, anti-democratic and deeply shameful,” and urged authorities to protect political figures.
The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, also demanded action. In a statement by Anthony Ehilebo, media aide to its presidential candidate Seyi Makinde, the party called it an attempt to intimidate opposition leaders ahead of 2027.
APM rejected the Benue Government’s claim that Obi did not get approval, citing Sections 40 and 41(1) of the Constitution on freedom of assembly and movement. It warned that using roadblocks and thugs against opponents undermines democracy.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also condemned the blockade and accused sections of the media of bias. He said whether the action came from internal NDC issues, alleged APC sponsorship, or public anger over the timing of Obi’s visit to Yelwata, blocking a politician’s movement is wrong.
Keyamo said the press often calls similar incidents involving APC leaders “public rejection,” but labels those involving opposition figures as “attacks by sponsored thugs.” He urged journalists to be fair and said grievances should be expressed at the ballot, not through violence.
Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom and NDC National Leader Senator Henry Dickson also condemned the incident and demanded prosecutions.
Ortom described it as deliberate and accused Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of “lawlessness.”
“I condemn what happened on Monday. It is wrong not to allow Peter Obi to visit Benue. I sympathise with those who lost their lives,” he said. “It is wrong. Allow democracy to prevail.”
Dickson faulted the police explanation that using force could have escalated the situation.
