Police arrest suspects over Obi’s Benue convoy blockade

Abimbola Joseph

The Benue State Police Command has arrested some suspects over the alleged blockade of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Makurdi, although he did not reveal the number of people arrested.

Nwadiogbu said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched after Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of people, creating tension that could have escalated into violence.

He explained that police officers deployed to the scene adopted a tactical approach to prevent the situation from deteriorating and to avert possible loss of lives and destruction of property.

“Mr Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence,” the commissioner said.

He added that the police subsequently escorted Obi safely to the airport, from where he left the state without further incident.

Nwadiogbu said the command’s decision to exercise restraint should not be interpreted as inaction, stressing that the Police had commenced an intelligence-led investigation to identify everyone involved in the incident.

“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s neutrality and professionalism, noting that every Nigerian had the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, social status or personal belief.

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

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the law and urged residents to remain calm while the investigation continued