The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the obstruction of the movement of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Makurdi on Tuesday.
Obi was in the Benue State capital on a private visit to sympathise with victims of the Yelewata massacre and donate relief materials when a group reportedly blocked his movement and demanded that he leave the state.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said 46 suspects had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others linked to the incident.
Nwadiogbu dismissed claims that the Police were not informed about Obi’s visit, saying the Command received notification at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7.
He said security arrangements were subsequently made, including the deployment of three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
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Despite the security measures, the Commissioner said Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of people, creating tension and concerns that the situation could escalate into violence.
He said officers at the scene took a tactical decision to prevent an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives or destruction of property.
Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the neutrality of the Police, stressing that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief.
He urged residents to remain calm and allow the Police to conclude investigations into the incident.
