The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the alleged obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Makurdi. He said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched immediately after the incident.
Nwadiogbu said the command was notified of Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, prompting the deployment of security personnel to provide protection throughout his movement in the state.
He explained that the security team included three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
According to the commissioner, Obi’s movement was later obstructed by a group of people, creating tension and raising concerns that the situation could escalate into violence.
He said the police took a tactical decision to prevent the situation from worsening and escorted Obi safely back to the airport, from where he left the state peacefully.
Nwadiogbu stressed that the police response should not be interpreted as inaction, noting that the command immediately began intelligence-led operations to identify those involved.
He said 46 people had so far been arrested, while efforts were continuing to apprehend others linked to the incident.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the neutrality of the Benue State Police Command, saying every Nigerian is entitled to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal beliefs.
He warned that no individual or group has the right to unlawfully prevent another person from moving freely, adding that anyone found culpable would face the law.
Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.
Source: Vanguard
