Benue Police Arrest 46 Over Alleged Obstruction of Peter Obi’s Movement

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons in connection with the reported obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Makurdi, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched immediately after the incident.

Nwadiogbu said the command was informed of Obi’s planned visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, after which adequate security personnel were deployed to protect the former Anambra State governor throughout his movement in the state.

“Consequently, adequate security was deployed, including three police escort vehicles with personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police,” the commissioner said.

He explained that Obi’s movement was subsequently obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation which he said could have escalated 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,” Nwadiogbu said.

According to him, the police thereafter ensured Obi’s safety by escorting him back to the airport, from where he departed the state peacefully.

The commissioner stressed that the decision by the police to prevent an escalation should not be interpreted as failure to act.

“Let me state clearly that the tactical decision taken by the police should not be mistaken for inaction,” he said.

Nwadiogbu said the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those allegedly involved in the incident.

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

The commissioner reaffirmed the neutrality and professionalism of the Benue Police Command, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief.

“The Benue State Police Command remains a neutral and professional institution. Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief,” Nwadiogbu said.

He warned individuals and groups against unlawfully obstructing the movement of others, saying anyone found culpable would face the law.

“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement. The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he added.

Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain calm and allow the police to complete their investigation, while efforts continue to identify and arrest other persons allegedly connected to the incident.