Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has explained the role and steps his command took to avoid violence, loss of lives or property during a recent incident involving Peter Obi in Benue State.

A group of people, mostly youths, had on Tuesday blocked the convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to the state.

Explaining the role of the police in the incident, the commissioner said the command was notified of Obi’s visit at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

According to him, the police deployed adequate security, including three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to safeguard the former Anambra State governor.

However, a group of persons subsequently blocked Obi’s movement, creating a tense environment that threatened to escalate into violence.

Nwadiogbu said the police made a tactical and professional decision not to use force immediately, aiming to prevent loss of life and destruction of property.

Obi was eventually escorted safely back to the airport and departed the state without further incident.

Emphasising that the tactical restraint should not be mistaken for inaction, Nwadiogbu said the command immediately launched intelligence-led operations, deploying undercover personnel to identify those responsible and determine their motives.

He said the police have so far apprehended 46 suspects in connection with the crime.

“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” Nwadiogbu said.

He stressed that the command remains a neutral institution, noting that every citizen possesses the constitutional right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation.

He warned that with the 2027 general elections approaching, security agencies will not tolerate actions capable of escalating political tensions.

Nwadiogbu also clarified that Obi’s representatives had initially described the trip as a non-campaign visit to families affected by the Yelwata crisis, promising that only a small entourage would accompany him.

He added that he was personally managing a separate security crisis involving road blockades around Taka and Guma when news of the obstruction broke.

He assured the public that those found culpable would face full prosecution under the law.

The blockade has drawn sharp criticism across the political spectrum, alongside calls for a comprehensive investigation.

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