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.
He said the command had also deployed undercover personnel
to identify those involved and determine their motives.
The commissioner warned that as the country approaches the
2027 elections, security agencies would not tolerate actions capable of
heightening political tensions.
He assured residents that the police would continue to
enforce the law while protecting lives and property.
BACK STORY
On Tuesday, a mob blocked Obi’s convoy at Gboko Road while
he was attempting to enter Benue state.
Videos shared by Esther Umoh, Obi’s photographer, showed
people wielding sticks and pursuing the convoy. Umoh said the road from the
airport into town had been blocked because Obi was expected to visit people in
the state.
Obi later said he was in Benue to console victims of
insecurity and insisted that his visit was not for campaign activities.
On its part, the Benue government said it was unaware of the
visit and denied involvement in the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the
Obidient Movement have condemned the mob action against Obi.
They urged the Benue government and relevant security
agencies to immediately investigate the incident, and bring the perpetrators to
justice.
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