By Tracy Moses
The Benue State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the obstruction of the convoy of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, during his visit to the state on Tuesday, with some suspects already arrested in connection with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Makurdi, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations by the command to identify those involved in the incident.
Nwadiogbu, however, did not disclose the number of suspects arrested but said efforts were ongoing to apprehend others linked to the incident.
According to him, police personnel deployed to provide security during Obi’s visit acted professionally and tactically to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
“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. Mr. Obi was subsequently safely escorted back to the airport and departed the state peacefully.
“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.”
The commissioner said the command’s measured response should not be interpreted as inaction, stressing that the police had taken concrete steps to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
He also reiterated the neutrality of the police, saying the command remained committed to protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation, status or personal beliefs.
“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
The incident occurred during Obi’s visit to Benue, where his movement was reportedly obstructed by a group of persons, raising concerns about the possibility of a confrontation.
The police said the situation was brought under control without loss of life or destruction of property, while Obi was subsequently escorted safely to the airport and left the state.
The command assured residents that anyone found culpable after the investigation would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Nwadiogbu also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain