By: Akpofure Kessina Christabel
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the Tuesday obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, as calls for a thorough investigation into the incident continue to grow.
The arrests were disclosed by the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, during a press conference in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Nwadiogbu said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched by the command to identify and apprehend those connected with the incident.
He explained that police personnel deployed for Obi’s visit adopted a tactical approach to prevent the situation from escalating into violence, insisting that the decision should not be mistaken for inaction.
According to him, Obi was eventually escorted safely to the airport and departed the state without further incident.
He said, “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 life 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 police disclosure came amid widespread reactions to the incident, with political groups and civil society organisations demanding accountability and stronger protection for political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The campaign team of the Allied People’s Movement presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, described the obstruction of Obi’s convoy as “disturbing and totally unacceptable.”
In a statement signed by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, the team alleged that Obi’s convoy was obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by killings in the area.
The team argued that Obi, like every other Nigerian, has a constitutional right to move freely across the country without seeking permission from a state government.
It cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of association and movement.
The statement said, “We, therefore, find the statement credited to the Benue State Government that the NDC presidential candidate did not seek prior permission from the state government before his visit as completely unacceptable and condemnable.
“Every Nigerian, presidential candidate or otherwise, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct legitimate activities without prior permission or notice.”
It urged the police to conduct a full investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
A faction of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State also condemned the incident and called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to apologise to Obi, President Bola Tinubu, the people of Benue and the party.
Daniel Ihomun, the publicity secretary of the faction led by Austin Agada and loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the incident did not represent the values of the Benue people or the APC.
“This is not Benue. This is not our culture. And this is not the APC,” Ihomun said.
He described the reported disruption of Obi’s movement as a “shameful display of intolerance,” stressing that political differences should not translate into violence.
“Political differences are legitimate; political violence is not. Benue deserves better,” he added.
The Kwankwaso National Network, South-East zone, also demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident, warning that nothing must happen to Obi.
The group’s position, contained in a statement by its South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, described the incident as “barbaric, dangerous and totally unacceptable.”
It said no political disagreement could justify exposing a presidential candidate to violence.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Nothing must happen to any presidential candidate. The security and safety of every political actor must be guaranteed, irrespective of party, tribe or religion,” the group said.
It also called on security agencies to identify those who mobilised the youths involved and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The group rejected the explanation attributed to Governor Alia that Obi did not notify the state government before his visit, arguing that such a failure, even if established, could not justify the obstruction or attack of a presidential candidate.
Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to take over the investigation.
SERAP called for a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to determine who was behind the incident and whether any public officials or political actors were involved.
“The reported attack is a serious threat to political participation, civic space and Nigeria’s democratic process. It is an affront to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” the organisation said.
SERAP warned that failure to investigate and prosecute political violence could encourage impunity and further undermine Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.
It called for adequate protection for politicians, candidates, journalists, civil society actors and other citizens exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation.
Amnesty International Nigeria also demanded an independent, impartial and timely investigation into the incident.
In a statement on its verified X handle, the organisation said Nigerian authorities must investigate the incident involving Obi and his entourage.
Amnesty described the reported obstruction as a serious manifestation of political intolerance, stressing that no part of Nigeria should become a no-go area for anyone.
“A person does not require permission or notification to exercise freedom of movement and personal liberty,” the organisation said.
Amnesty further warned that political intimidation and attacks could undermine freedom of association and peaceful political participation as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
It said, “No one should lose their life or face violence simply for taking part in peaceful political activities.”
With 46 suspects already arrested, attention is now shifting to the outcome of the police investigation and whether those identified as being behind the incident will be prosecuted.(Naija Parrot.ng)
