The Benue State Police Command has arrested several persons allegedly linked to Tuesday’s blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the state.
The incident, which occurred on September 8, sparked tension as Obi’s convoy was reportedly prevented from proceeding into the affected area, forcing the former Anambra State governor to abandon the visit and return to the airport, The News Chronicle reports.
Confirming the arrests, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the officers deployed to Obi’s visit acted professionally and tactically to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
According to him, the police were confronted with a tense situation after a group of persons obstructed Obi’s movement.
“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,” Nwadiogbu said.
The commissioner added that the command had launched intelligence-led operations to identify everyone involved in the incident, noting that “key arrests have been made” while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects.
He assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
