RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons in connection with the obstruction of the movement of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests during a press briefing in Makurdi, saying the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations launched after the incident.
According to the police commissioner, the command received information about Obi’s visit on Monday, September 7, and deployed security personnel, including three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to protect his movement.
Nwadiogbu said Obi’s convoy was later obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension that could have escalated into violence.
He explained that the police made a tactical decision not to use force immediately to prevent possible loss of life and destruction of property, after which Obi was safely escorted back to the airport and left the state peacefully.
The police commissioner stressed that the decision to avoid confrontation should not be interpreted as inaction, noting that investigations began immediately to identify those responsible.
“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,” Nwadiogbu said.
He reaffirmed the neutrality of the police command, stating that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief.
“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said, adding that anyone found culpable would face the law.
The incident occurred while Obi was visiting Benue, where he was expected to meet communities affected by insecurity and sympathise with victims of previous attacks. The Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident, while police investigations remain ongoing.
