The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Makurdi, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched shortly after the incident.
Nwadiogbu said the command was informed of Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, after which adequate security personnel were deployed to protect the former Anambra State governor during his movement in the state.
“Consequently, adequate security was deployed, including three police escort vehicles with personnel led by an assistant commissioner of police,” the commissioner said.
He explained that Obi’s movement was later obstructed by a group of people, creating tension that could have escalated into violence.
“At that point, the police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property,” Nwadiogbu said.
According to him, the police subsequently escorted Obi back to the airport, from where he left the state peacefully.
Nwadiogbu stressed that the police’s decision to prevent an escalation should not be interpreted as inaction.
“The Command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible.
Forty-six arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the neutrality of the police command, saying every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief.
“The Benue State Police Command remains a neutral and professional institution. Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief,” he said.
He warned that no individual or group had the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement.
Nwadiogbu assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the law and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.
