Armed things blocked NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi's convoy in Benue State
Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 suspects over Tuesday’s alleged attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway.
Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, who addressed journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, said investigations into the incident were ongoing, adding that security operatives were tracking other key suspects believed to have coordinated the action.
He warned that the command would not tolerate any form of political intolerance as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
The arrests followed the disruption of Obi’s visit to Benue State, where he had travelled to campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election and to visit Yelewata community to sympathise with families affected by the June 2025 attacks.
According to reports, Obi’s convoy encountered a roadblock mounted by a group of youths a short distance from the Makurdi airport along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway.
The blockade caused heavy traffic congestion after the road was completely obstructed, leaving motorists stranded.
Reacting to the incident, Obi urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be manipulated by political actors.
“It is ridiculous. Our experience this morning is very very worrisome. We arrived Makurdi at 9 AM, but on our way to the Yelewata community, to console and show solidarity with the family affected by the killings of over 270 persons in that community, and support them in any way I can, only to be blocked by thugs shouting, ‘Peter Obi go back!. Peter Obi go back!’”
“And I was wondering: are we still in Nigeria? Because, even the campaign I have started, I should be able to move around freely. But we didn’t want to go on and cause confusion and possibly endanger the lives of other people, so I decided to remain as civil as possible.”
The former Anambra State governor appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure that all Nigerians are free to move and campaign without intimidation.
“I am using this occasion to appeal to the security agencies, the IG of police, and other agencies, to please intervene and be able to call various state governors to order. I was a state governor myself. This rascality cannot be allowed. We are a country, and can we confront these people on our own if these people cannot provide us with security?
“We can not go on this way. This is unacceptable”, Obi lamented.
The Benue State Police Command said investigations are continuing and assured residents that anyone found culpable in the incident would be brought to justice.
