THE Benue State Police Command has arrested suspects over Tuesday’s blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as investigators intensify efforts to establish who organised the disruption.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests on Wednesday in Makurdi, noting that the suspects had been taken into custody.
“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” the police commissioner said.
Nwadiogbu said the command had commenced intelligence-led operations to identify all those involved in the incident, stressing that the decision by officers at the scene to avoid a confrontation was a tactical move aimed at preventing possible deaths and destruction of property.
The development followed a dramatic confrontation on Tuesday when Obi’s convoy was stopped by a group of youths on the Makurdi-Gboko road while he was travelling towards Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
The former Anambra State governor had planned to visit families and communities affected by the June 2025 Yelwata massacre, in which scores of people were killed and homes destroyed.
Police said officers assigned to Obi’s movement acted professionally to prevent the situation from escalating and eventually escorted him back to the airport, from where he left the state.
Obi and his party have alleged that the youths were hired. They accused an unnamed aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia of leading the group.
The allegations have been rejected by the Benue State Government, which said it had no involvement in the incident and accused Obi of making unfounded claims.
The government had also said it was not aware of the former governor’s visit.
However, a letter obtained by local media showed that the NDC notified the Benue State Police Command on September 7, a day before the visit.
The letter, signed by the party’s state chairman, Ohini Ojiegbe, informed the police that Obi would arrive in Makurdi at about 8am on September 8 and proceed to Yelwata, specifically requesting security for Obi and his entourage.
Nwadiogbu said the command remained politically neutral and would not tolerate the unlawful obstruction of any Nigerian’s movement.
“Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief. No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
Nwadiogbu’s position is consistent with Section 41 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to move freely throughout Nigeria, subject to constitutionally recognised restrictions.
The commissioner said anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.
The ICIR reported that Obi said he travelled to Benue primarily to identify with victims of the Yelwata violence and not to hold a political rally.
The NDC subsequently condemned what it described as an attack and obstruction by suspected hired thugs, alleging that the group was led by an aide to Governor Alia.
The Benue Government denied the allegation, while an APC faction in the state later condemned the blockade and called on Governor Alia to apologise to Obi and the people of the state.
The controversy has drawn condemnation from political leaders, with concerns that the incident could set a dangerous precedent for political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, condemned the incident and called for politicians to be allowed to move freely and campaign without intimidation or violence.
Keyamo, in a statement sent to journalists on Wednesday, also urged the media to avoid what he described as partisan narratives when reporting political confrontations.
The minister said political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence or restrictions on the movement of political opponents.
Former Kano State governor and Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also condemned the blockade, warning that attempts to restrict opposition politicians from moving freely could push the country towards anarchy.
African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore equally condemned the incident, warning against political violence, intimidation and thuggery.
The reactions have increased pressure on the police to identify those responsible and establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Despite being prevented from reaching Yelwata, Obi continued his humanitarian visit in neighbouring Plateau State.
He proceeded to Mangu Local Government Area, where he met residents and victims affected by attacks in the area.
The visit formed part of Obi’s wider engagement with communities affected by insecurity and displacement in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.