Benue Police Commissioner Explains Why Peter Obi’s Convoy Was Blocked, 46 Arrested

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has explained the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi during his visit to the state.

Nwadiogbu said the NDC had notified the police command about Obi’s planned visit but did not request that the notification letter be forwarded to Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The clarification followed Tuesday’s incident, when youths reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy on the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway while he was travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunch Time Politics programme, the police commissioner explained that the letter submitted by NDC representatives was intended to inform the police command about Obi’s visit and enable security personnel to make the necessary arrangements.

Nwadiogbu said representatives of the party first contacted the command through the Police Public Relations Officer before subsequently visiting his office.

“On that very day, my PRO came to me and said members of NDC said they were paying me a visit. I said, well, I am currently in the office, and the PRO said they are coming by 3 p.m. I said ‘Okay.”

According to the commissioner, the police understood the communication strictly as a notification concerning security arrangements. He said there was no indication that the letter required him to personally transmit it to Governor Alia.

Nwadiogbu maintained that the police command’s primary responsibility was to ensure the safety of Peter Obi and his entourage throughout their movement within Benue State.

Obi had travelled to Yelwata to sympathise with residents affected by deadly attacks in the community. His programme was also expected to involve engagements with families and communities affected by the continuing violence and insecurity in the area.

Following the obstruction of the convoy, the police command arrested 46 people allegedly linked to the incident.

Nwadiogbu said the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations initiated after the convoy was stopped.

The commissioner added that investigations were still ongoing, with the police working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify anyone else who may have participated.

He also explained why police officers at the scene did not immediately use force to clear the crowd blocking Obi’s convoy.

According to him, the officers had to weigh the potential consequences of forcing their way through the gathering, particularly the risk of deaths, injuries and destruction of property.

The situation eventually resulted in Obi being escorted back to the airport, from where he departed Benue State.

The police command rejected suggestions that the incident amounted to a failure to protect the presidential candidate, maintaining that its intervention was aimed at preventing the confrontation from escalating into a more serious security situation.

The incident has, however, triggered widespread political reactions, with political parties and organisations expressing concerns about the implications of the development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, condemned the obstruction of Obi’s convoy, describing the development as unacceptable.

IPAC said the police had been informed about the presidential candidate’s visit and questioned how a candidate could be prevented from moving freely within a state.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, the council warned that the incident could contribute to heightened political tensions as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.

“Restricting a citizen from entering a state is a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” IPAC said.

The council also expressed particular concern over the location of the incident, noting that Benue has already been dealing with persistent security challenges.

“Benue State is already bleeding over constant terrorists’ attacks, sponsoring youths to block and attack Obi’s convoy is a misplaced aggression and height of rascality,” it said.

IPAC welcomed the arrest of the 46 suspects but called for a broader investigation into the incident.

The council urged the police to establish not only the identities of those arrested but also what triggered the action and whether any individuals or groups organised or sponsored the obstruction.

The Labour Party also criticised the incident and called for action from the Federal Government.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, condemned the development and urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in governors whose supporters or political associates could be linked to activities capable of undermining political participation.

The Labour Party alleged that some of the youths involved in blocking Obi’s convoy may have been sponsored by the Benue State Government, although it presented the claim as an allegation that should be subjected to investigation.

“If a Reverend Father who mounts the pulpit to teach morals could descend to this level of violence, what should Nigerians expect from more indecorous politicians and governors, like the one in Edo?

“It is particularly concerning that a governor who, as the Chief Security Officer of Benue State, has never been able to arrest and prosecute the criminals ravaging his state could instead be feasting on a man who was embarking on a humanitarian mission.”

The party argued that political leaders have a responsibility to guarantee an atmosphere in which citizens and political actors can participate in political activities without intimidation.

“The sanctity of our democracy depends on the ability of every citizen to move freely, express political opinions and participate in public life without fear of harassment or attack,” it stated.

The South East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association, SEMATA, has also joined those condemning the incident involving Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Emeka Emechebe, and Secretary-General, Chief Chima Eruchalu, the association said the incident could heighten political tension as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

SEMATA represents traders of South-East extraction operating across Nigeria and in the diaspora.

After an emergency executive meeting held in Onitsha, the association appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.

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SEMATA maintained that political affiliation should not determine whether a presidential candidate is permitted to move freely or engage with citizens in any part of Nigeria.

“We are a nation of laws where the rule of law prevails at all times,” the association said, adding that Nigeria must not allow political violence and turbulence to threaten democracy.