Police explains ’inaction’ in blockage of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue
Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has explained the role and steps his command took to avoid violence, loss of lives or property during a recent incident involving Peter Obi in Benue State. A group of people, mostly youths, had on Tuesday blocked the convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of […] The post Police explains ’inaction’ in blockage of Peter…
The Commissioner of Police for Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has provided insights into the circumstances surrounding the blockage of Peter Obi's convoy during his visit to the state. On Tuesday, a group of individuals, predominantly youths, obstructed the route of Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) at around 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
In response to the situation, Nwadiogbu revealed that the police were promptly notified and deployed a security team comprising three escort vehicles and personnel, all under the command of an Assistant Commissioner of Police. The aim was to ensure the safety of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. Despite the tense atmosphere, the police opted against immediate force, prioritizing the prevention of violence and property damage.
Obi was eventually transported safely back to the airport and left the state without further issues. Nwadiogbu emphasized that the command's decision to refrain from using force should not be misconstrued as inaction. Instead, the police immediately initiated intelligence-led operations, employing undercover agents to identify the perpetrators and discern their motivations.
So far, 46 suspects have been apprehended, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the incident. Nwadiogbu reiterates that the police maintain their neutrality and that every citizen in Benue State is entitled to freedom of movement, irrespective of their political beliefs. He cautioned that with the 2027 general elections looming, security agencies will not tolerate any actions that might exacerbate political tensions.
Nwadiogbu also clarified that Obi's team had initially presented the trip as a non-campaign visit to provide support to families impacted by the Yelwata crisis. He had been concurrently managing a different security crisis involving road blockades around Taka and Guma when the incident with Obi's convoy came to light. The commissioner assured the public that those responsible for the blockade would face full prosecution under the law.
The event has sparked criticism from various political factions and calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Written by urgent.news from Ripples Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
