Peter Obi: Police Arrest 46 Over Benue Incident

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons in connection with the alleged 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, and subsequently deployed adequate security personnel to protect him throughout his movement in the state.

He explained that Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have escalated into violence.

According to him, the police took a professional and tactical decision to prevent further escalation and subsequently escorted the former Anambra State governor back to the airport, from where he departed the state peacefully.

The commissioner said the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those involved, leading to the arrest of 46 suspects, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others connected with the incident.

Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the neutrality and professionalism of the Benue State Police Command, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief.

He warned that no individual or group had the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement, adding that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He also urged residents to remain calm and allow the police to complete their investigation.