Police arrest 46 over blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 persons in connection with the reported attack and blockade of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Makurdi.

The arrests followed a confrontation on Tuesday along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway, where youths reportedly barricaded the road, preventing Obi’s convoy from proceeding to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.

Obi was in Benue to visit communities affected by the June 13, 2025 killings in Yelwata and sympathise with victims and their families.

The police had earlier confirmed the incident, saying officers assigned to provide security for Obi’s movement were present and that an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the blockade.

The incident has since heightened political tension in the state, with Obi and the NDC alleging political interference, while the Benue State Government has denied any involvement.

Obi alleged that youths linked to a government aide mobilised to block his convoy and prevent him from reaching Yelwata. The allegation has not been independently established.

The NDC described the development as an attack on its presidential candidate and called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those found responsible.

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The party maintained that Obi’s visit was humanitarian rather than political, stressing that he travelled to Benue to sympathise with families affected by the 2025 massacre.

However, the Benue State Government rejected the allegations, insisting that Governor Hyacinth Alia and his administration had no role in the incident.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the government only became aware of the confrontation after photographs and reports emerged.

According to Kula, Governor Alia subsequently directed the police to investigate the incident, identify those involved and ensure that they answered questions over their actions.

He challenged Obi and the NDC to identify the government aide allegedly responsible for mobilising the youths and provide evidence linking the individual to the blockade.

Kula argued that the governor had no reason to deploy youths against Obi, adding that any legitimate security concerns surrounding the visit should have been handled through recognised security agencies.

Meanwhile, Benue Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the command received information about Obi’s planned visit on Monday night and subsequently made security arrangements for his movement.

He said the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations was personally assigned to lead the security team accompanying the former Anambra State governor.

Nwadiogbu said police were informed that Obi intended to travel to Yelwata to visit victims of the 2025 attack and was not embarking on a campaign activity.

The police commissioner said the command was investigating why youths blocked the convoy and would establish the circumstances that led to the confrontation.

The incident has attracted condemnation from political figures and civil society groups, with concerns that restrictions on opposition politicians could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Kano State Governor and Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemned the blockade, warning that attempts to restrict opposition politicians from moving freely could push the country towards anarchy.

African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, also condemned the incident, warning against political violence, intimidation and thuggery.

Prevented from reaching Yelwata, Obi later proceeded to neighbouring Plateau State, where he visited Mangu Local Government Area to meet residents and victims affected by attacks.

The arrest of the 46 suspects is expected to form a major part of the police investigation as authorities seek to determine those behind the blockade and whether the incident was politically motivated.