Benue Police Arrest 46 Over Peter Obi Movement Blockage, Vow to Prosecute Culprits

September 10, 2026

11

MAKURDI: The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the obstruction of the movement of presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.

The arrests were announced by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, at a press conference in Makurdi on Wednesday.

Nwadiogbu said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched by the command shortly after the incident, stressing that investigations were still ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the disruption.

The commissioner said the police command was notified of Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, after which security arrangements were made to protect the former Anambra State governor throughout his movement in Benue.

According to Nwadiogbu, the security team included three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

However, he said Obi’s movement was later obstructed by a group of people, creating tension that had the potential to escalate into violence.

The commissioner explained that officers made a tactical decision to prevent the situation from degenerating.

He said the police prioritised the safety of Obi and other people in the area rather than allowing the confrontation to escalate into possible loss of lives or destruction of property.

Nwadiogbu said the police subsequently escorted Obi safely back to the airport, from where he left Benue without further incident.

He rejected any suggestion that the police failed to act during the confrontation, explaining that the immediate tactical response was intended to prevent an escalation.

The commissioner said the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations after the incident.

46 arrests have been made, he said, adding that efforts were continuing to apprehend everyone suspected of having participated in the incident.

The Benue Police Command also reaffirmed its neutrality and professionalism, insisting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, social status or personal beliefs.

Nwadiogbu warned that no individual or group has the right to unlawfully prevent another person from moving freely.

He assured residents that anyone found culpable after the investigation would face the full consequences of the law.

The commissioner also appealed to residents to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work.

The development comes amid growing political reactions to the Peter Obi Benue incident, with supporters and political groups calling for an investigation into what happened during the former Anambra governor’s visit.

The incident has also generated demands for accountability, with concerns raised over the safety of political figures and the right of citizens to move freely across the country.

The police, however, said their investigation would be based on evidence and that those found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The arrest of 46 suspects marks the first major enforcement action publicly announced by the Benue Police Command since the incident, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of Obi’s movement.

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Benue Police Arrest 46 Over Peter Obi Movement Blockage, Vow to Prosecute Culprits

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