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

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests at a press conference in Makurdi on Wednesday, although he did not state the number of suspects currently in custody.

The arrests followed an incident in which Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons while he was attempting to proceed with his visit, creating tension along the route and prompting police intervention.

According to Nwadiogbu, officers deployed for the former Anambra State governor’s visit acted professionally and tactically to prevent the situation from escalating into violence, loss of lives or destruction of property.

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

“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.”

Nwadiogbu said the decision by officers at the scene to avoid confrontation should not be interpreted as a failure to act against those involved.

He disclosed that the command had since commenced intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend persons allegedly connected with the blockade.

“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,” he said.

The police commissioner stressed that the command remained neutral and professional, adding that every Nigerian was entitled to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, social status or personal beliefs.

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

He assured that anyone found culpable after investigation would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The police also urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work.

The development comes a day after Obi’s convoy was blocked during a planned visit in Benue, an incident that generated widespread political reactions.

Obi had alleged that persons linked to the state government were behind the blockade, a claim the Benue State Government denied.

The Benue Police Command had earlier confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s movement and had provided security for the visit, while stating that the reason the group blocked his convoy was still under investigation.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also condemned the incident, saying political actors should be allowed to move freely and conduct their activities without intimidation or violence.

With arrests now made, the police investigation is expected to focus on identifying those responsible for organising or participating in the obstruction and determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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