Police in Benue State have arrested some suspects over the alleged blockade of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to the state on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Makurdi.
Nwadiogbu did not disclose the number of people arrested but said the command had commenced intelligence-led operations to identify everyone connected to the incident.
According to the police boss, officers deployed for Obi’s visit adopted a “professional and tactical” approach to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
He said the decision allowed the former Anambra State governor to leave the area safely and return to the airport, from where he departed 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,” Nwadiogbu said.
He added: “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.”
The commissioner stressed that the command’s response should not be interpreted as inaction, saying key arrests had already been made while efforts continued to apprehend other persons linked to the incident.
Nwadiogbu also reaffirmed the neutrality of the police, saying 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 the public that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
It also urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work.
