The Benue State Police Command says it is investigating the blockade of the convoy of Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, by some youths in Makurdi on Tuesday.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the incident, saying security had been provided for Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where communities were affected by the June 13, 2025 deadly attack.
Nwadiogbu said the visit was communicated to the police as a humanitarian trip to commiserate with victims, not a political campaign. He added that he directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to lead the security team
He said the police were informed that Obi’s visit was not for political campaign, but to visit some people and commiserate with victims of the attack.
“Everybody has freedom of movement in Nigeria, so I provided security. I also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to personally lead the men,” he said.
The commissioner, however, said that upon Obi’s arrival, the police received information that youths had blocked the road and prevented him from proceeding to Yelwata.
“Unfortunately, upon his arrival, we heard that the youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him,” he said.
Nwadiogbu said the command had managed the situation but would not ignore the incident, adding that investigations would determine why the youths acted as they did.
“We must get to the bottom of it and know why the youths said somebody cannot move freely,” he said.
He said after being prevented from proceeding to his destination, Obi later left the state.
The commissioner said the command was also investigating circumstances surrounding the blockade and possible destruction during the incident.
Nwadiogbu promised to provide the findings of the investigation.
