Police Arrest Suspects Over Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested some people in connection with the blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Tuesday.

According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, at a press conference held in Makurdi on Wednesday. He, however, did not give the number of those arrested.

TVC News Online reports that the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate was blocked in Benue State on Tuesday as he headed to Yelewata to visit persons impacted by attacks last year.

According to the CP, the police officers deployed for the visit of the former governor of Anambra State acted professionally and tactically to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.

Nwadiogbu noted that Obi was safely escorted back to the airport.

“Unfortunately, Mr Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence. At that point, the Police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. Mr Obi was subsequently safely escorted back to the airport and departed the state peacefully.

“The Command has commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible. Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” the CP said.

The police boss, who said that the command remained a neutral and professional institution, added that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief.

“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.

The command assured the public that all those found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.