The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of key suspects in connection with the blockage of Nigeria Democracy Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in Makurdi on Tuesday.
The Commissioner CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, who was given an update on the incident on Wednesday in Makurdi, said efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident.
“I consider it necessary to clarify issues surrounding the unfortunate obstruction of the movement of Mr. Peter Obi during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, 8th September 2026,”Mr the CP stated.
According to him, the Command was duly informed of the visit at about 1730 hrs on Monday, 7th September 2026, adding that adequate security was deployed, including three police escort vehicles with personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
“Unfortunately, Mr Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence. At that point, the police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. “Mr Obi was subsequently safely escorted back to the airport and departed the state peacefully,” he explained.
The CP posited that the tactical decision taken by the police should not be mistaken for inaction, as the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible, saying the command remains a neutral and professional institution.
CP Nwadiogbu further disclosed that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief, and no individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement.
He, therefore, assures the public that all those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law and urge members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.
In a swift reaction, the Benue State government insists that the attack on Peter Obi would have arisen from an internal political squabble in the state chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), rather than alleged sponsorship by Governor Alia’s administration.
Distancing the government from the attack, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, argued that such claims Mr Peter Obi made that thugs working for the state government were involved were false and unfortunate.
“The allegations are unfounded and a desperate attempt to drag Governor Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” Kula stated.
In a statement, Kula pointed out that based on Obi’s antecedents of making untrue statements against the state, the government have every reason to doubt whether he actually visited Makurdi.
Kula described his principal as a peace-loving Reverend gentleman who is averse to the promotion of thuggery, pointing out that his administration does not engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security but is consistently committed to the rule of law and relies on recognised security agencies to maintain peace and order across the state.
The Chief Press Secretary noted that the Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists, as his attention remains firmly focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security and improving the welfare of the people of Benue State.
While urging the public to disregard the allegations linking the State Government to any incident that happened around the NDC presidential candidate, Sir Kula said Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.
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