The Benue State Police Command has detained 46 people following a confrontation involving youths and the convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the state.
Obi encountered the youths on Tuesday while travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with families affected by the June 2025 attack, which claimed the lives of more than 100 people.
The youths, some reportedly carrying sticks and stones, blocked the highway and prevented Obi’s convoy from proceeding to its destination.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, explained that the police avoided using force to disperse the youths because doing so could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
According to him, the command instead escorted Obi and his entourage safely back to the airport after the situation became tense.
Nwadiogbu said the police immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those involved in the blockade, resulting in the arrest of 46 suspects. He added that the investigation remains ongoing, with security operatives tracking other individuals believed to have played key roles in the incident.
The commissioner condemned the obstruction and stressed that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief. He warned that the police would not tolerate political intolerance or actions capable of escalating tensions as the 2027 general elections approached.
The Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident, while the police said anyone found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Notably, the development comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually intensify, with the police urging residents and political officials to avoid actions capable of provoking violence.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
