Police explain ‘inaction’ in blocking Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has explained the role and steps taken by his command to avoid violence, loss of life or property in the recent incident involving Peter Obi in Benue State.

A group of people, mostly youths, on Tuesday blocked the convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to the state.

Explaining the role of the police in the incident, the commissioner said the command was informed about Obi’s visit at around 5.30pm on Monday.

According to him, the police deployed adequate security, including three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to guard the former Governor of Anambra State.

However, a group of people then obstructed Obi’s movements, creating a tense atmosphere that threatened to escalate into violence.

Nwadiogbu said the police took a tactical and professional decision not to immediately use force, aimed at preventing loss of life and damage to property.

Obi was eventually escorted safely back to the airport and left the state without further incident.

Emphasizing that tactical restraint should not be misconstrued as inaction, Nwadiogbu said the command immediately launched an intelligence-led operation, deploying undercover personnel to identify those responsible and determine their motives.

He said police had so far arrested 46 suspects in connection with the crime.

“Significant arrests have been made, while efforts are underway to arrest everyone associated with the incident,” Nwadiogbu said.

He stressed that the command remains a neutral institution, noting that every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation.

He warned that ahead of the 2027 elections, security agencies would not tolerate actions that could escalate political tensions.

Nwadiogbu also clarified that Obi’s representatives had initially described the trip as a non-campaign visit to families affected by the Yelwata crisis, and promised that only a small entourage would accompany him.

He added that he was personally handling a separate security crisis involving road blocks around Taka and Guma when news of the barriers spread.

He assured the public that those found guilty would face full prosecution under the law.

The blockade drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, as well as calls for a comprehensive investigation.