From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command on Wednesday, said it has arrested 46 persons in connection with the Tuesday’s disruption of the visit of Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of Nigerian Democratic Congress in the State.
Obi’s who was in Makurdi, Benue State capital on a private visit to condole and donate relief materials to victims of Yelwata massacre, had his movement disrupted by some group of persons who demanded him to leave the state.
The incident has raised a lot of dust with the Police and the State government disagreeing on whether notification was given for the visit.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, revealed that key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to arrest all other persons involved in the incident.
He said that the police find it necessary to clarify issues surrounding the unfortunate obstruction of the movement of Mr. Peter Obi during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, 8th September 2026.
The CP reiterated that the command was duly informed of the visit at about 1730hrs on Monday, 7th September, 2026 and consequently, adequate security was deployed, including three Police escort vehicles with personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
“Despite these security measures, Mr. Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence.
“It was this 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 by escorting him safely back to the airport and he departed the state peacefully.
“Let me state clearly that the tactical decision taken by the Police should not be mistaken for inaction. The Command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible.
“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. No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement”, the CP said.
He assured the public that all those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The CP therefore urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the Police to conclude their investigation”.
