Benue Police Arrest 46 Over Roadblock Disruption of Peter Obi’s Convoy

Post created on 11:21 am

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 suspects following the high-profile obstruction of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Makurdi on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu confirmed that the swift arrests resulted from targeted, intelligence-led operations launched immediately after the incident.

Clarifying the official security timeline, CP Nwadiogbu revealed that command headquarters received formal notice of Obi’s arrival at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7.

In response, police authorities deployed an advance protective detail—comprising three escort vehicles commanded by an Assistant Commissioner of Police—to safeguard the former Anambra State governor during his movements across the state.

Despite these precautionary security arrangements, a crowd of demonstrators managed to block Obi’s convoy along a major corridor. The sudden blockade created severe public tension that threatened to degenerate into active physical violence.

Nwadiogbu explained that security forces prioritized public safety over immediate force, executing a tactical decision to de-escalate the standoff without risking civilian casualties or property damage. Police officers safely rerouted and escorted Obi back to the local airport, where he departed the state without physical harm.

Reaffirming the absolute political neutrality of the command, the police chief warned that law enforcement will not tolerate illegal restrictions on freedom of movement.

Nwadiogbu stressed that every citizen retains the constitutional right to travel without harassment, promising that all suspects implicated in the blockade will face full prosecution under Nigerian law.