The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons allegedly linked to the obstruction of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Makurdi.
Nwadiogbu said the Command was notified of Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday and deployed security personnel, including three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
According to him, a group of persons later blocked Obi’s movement along the road, creating tension that could have escalated into violence.
The CP said the police deliberately refrained from using force to avoid possible loss of lives and destruction of property, but subsequently commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those behind the incident.
“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.
Nwadiogbu stressed that the police remain neutral and professional, and that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation.
He said Obi’s visit was presented to the police as a non-campaign trip to sympathise with families affected by the Yelwata crisis. The CP added that investigation is ongoing and culprits will be prosecuted.
