The Benue State Police Command has arrested some persons in connection with the blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this at a press conference in Makurdi on Wednesday, although he did not reveal the number of people arrested.
According to Nwadiogbu, police officers deployed for Obi’s visit acted professionally and tactically to prevent the situation from escalating into violence, which could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
The police commissioner stressed that the decision taken by the command should not be interpreted as inaction, noting that Obi was subsequently escorted safely back to the airport and left the state peacefully.
“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.
“The Command has commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible. Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.
Nwadiogbu reaffirmed that the police command remained a neutral and professional institution, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation, status or personal belief.
“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
The command assured that all persons found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation into the incident to run its course.
