TD MAKURDI, Benue State — The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 suspected thugs in connection with the obstruction and reported attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.
The arrests were disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, at a press briefing in Makurdi.
During the briefing on Wednesday, the police said that they have intensified their investigation into Tuesday’s incident.
Nwadiogbu said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched after youths blocked Obi’s convoy while he was travelling to Yelwata.
The presidential candidate had earlier told newsmen that he had planned to visit families affected by the June 2025 massacre.
According to the police commissioner, the command was determined to identify everyone involved and establish the motive behind the incident.
“We arrested 46 people identified to have participated in that ugly incident, and we are continuing, we are not relenting,” he said.
Nwadiogbu noted that investigators would ensure that all those involved were identified and questioned about their reasons for participating in the blockade.
“We must get all of them to know, for one, for them to tell us their aim of doing that,” Nwadiogbu emphasised.
He added that those found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
“And then for us to prescribe appropriate, as provided by the law, appropriate punishment,” he stressed.
Police: Suspected Thugs Will Be Prosecuted
The commissioner said the police would not stop at the arrests already made, stressing that the suspects would be taken through the appropriate legal process.
He said: “Of course, we know they will definitely be charged to court because we won’t let that.”
He noted that the action was also intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar acts, particularly as Nigeria approaches another politically sensitive period.
“We must send a signal to others who may want to indulge in such type of acts,” he added.
Nwadiogbu warned that the country was entering what he described as a “very volatile and sensitive period”.
That makes it necessary for security agencies to respond firmly to acts capable of escalating political tensions.
“If we don’t do anything drastic now, the situation will be overwhelming in the near future,” Nwadiogbu explained.
The police boss said the command would therefore take the necessary measures to ensure that those arrested were dealt with appropriately.
“And that is why we are taking this drastic step to ensure appropriate regulations are taken against these 46 that have been arrested.”
How the Incident Unfolded
Obi travelled to Benue on Tuesday as part of a planned visit to Yelwata, a community that suffered a deadly attack in June 2025.
The NDC presidential candidate said his purpose was to sympathise with families of victims and demonstrate solidarity with the community.
His convoy, however, was stopped by youths who barricaded the Makurdi–Gboko Road.
According to reports, the protesters chanted that they did not want Peter Obi in the area.
The police subsequently escorted Obi back to the airport, from where he left the state.
The command had earlier confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s movement and had deployed personnel to provide security for the visit.
Police Say They Prevented Escalation with the Thugs
Nwadiogbu previously said officers at the scene made a tactical decision to prevent the confrontation from escalating into violence, loss of lives or destruction of property.
The police described the decision as a professional response rather than inaction and said Obi was safely escorted back to the airport.
The commissioner also maintained that the police would investigate why the youths blocked the presidential candidate’s movement and determine those responsible.
Government Denies Involvement
The arrests come amid allegations and counter-allegations over who organised the youths.
Obi had alleged that hired thugs, purportedly mobilised by an aide to the state government, were responsible for blocking his convoy.
The Benue State Government has denied the allegation, saying Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration neither sponsored nor deployed thugs against Obi.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the government did not engage, patronise or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, also claimed that Obi had failed to formally notify the state government of his visit.
Iorpev maintained that the government was responsible for coordinating security for high-profile visitors.
However, the police have confirmed that the command knew about Obi’s movement and had deployed security personnel for the visit.
Investigation Continues with the Suspected Thugs
The police have not indicated that the 46 arrested persons have been convicted of any offence.
Their arrests remain part of an ongoing investigation, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
The command said its investigation would continue until all persons connected with the incident are identified and the circumstances and motive behind the blockade are fully established.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police warned that political intolerance and unlawful obstruction of political actors could further destabilise the security situation.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor the investigation and report further developments, including any formal charges brought against the 46 suspects.
