The Benue State Police Command has arrested some individuals suspected to have been involved in the obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Makurdi, noting that the command was still working to identify and apprehend others linked to the incident.
Nwadiogbu said the police adopted a tactical approach during the incident to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
According to him, officers deployed to provide security for Obi acted professionally and ensured that the former Anambra State governor eventually left the state safely.
He said, “Unfortunately, Mr. Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence.
“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.”
The police commissioner explained that the decision not to immediately confront the protesters should not be interpreted as failure to act, stressing that Obi was later escorted to the airport and departed the state peacefully.
He said the command had launched intelligence-led operations into the incident, adding that some arrests had already been made.
“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,” Nwadiogbu stated.
The commissioner further reiterated the neutrality of the police, saying every citizen had the right to move freely regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs.
“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
Nwadiogbu assured that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law, while appealing to residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
