…APM Presidential Candidate, Seyi Makinde Alleges APC Involvement
…Ovie Omo-Agege Urged Security Agencies to Investigate
Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 suspects in connection with the obstruction of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.
The arrests came amid growing calls for an investigation into the incident, with political figures and civil society groups demanding that security agencies establish who organised, funded or sponsored the blockade.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests, saying the command had launched an intelligence-led operation after Obi’s movement was disrupted on Tuesday.
Nwadiogbu said the police were informed of Obi’s planned visit to Benue at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7, after which three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police were deployed to provide security.
According to him, Obi’s convoy was later obstructed by a group of people, creating tension that the police feared could escalate into violence.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence,” the commissioner said.
He explained that security personnel decided against forcing their way through the blockade because doing so could have resulted in casualties and destruction of property.
“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,” he added.
Nwadiogbu stressed that the decision to escort Obi back to the airport should not be interpreted as a failure to act, noting that investigations began immediately and led to the arrest of 46 suspects.
He said more suspects, including individuals believed to have played key roles in the incident, were still being sought.
The commissioner also warned that no person or group had the authority to unlawfully restrict another Nigerian’s freedom of movement.
“Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief. No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
### Calls for investigation
The arrests have heightened calls for authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blockade and determine whether any political interests were involved.
Former Deputy Senate President and NDC candidate for Delta Central, Ovie Omo-Agege, described the incident as a “national disgrace” and urged security agencies to investigate beyond those who physically blocked the convoy.
He called for investigators to establish who organised and financed the action and whether anyone issued instructions for it to be carried out.
“There must be no cover-up, political protection, or convenient silence,” Omo-Agege said.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, asking, “What kind of politics has Nigeria descended into when even mourning the dead requires political permission?”
Omo-Agege maintained that the tragedy in Yelwata should not be viewed through partisan lines, arguing that Obi should have been allowed to visit the community regardless of his political affiliation.
“Yelwata’s tragedy is not the property of the APC, PDP, Labour Party or NDC. The dead belong to Nigeria, and their families belong to all of us,” he said.
He added that even if Obi’s visit had a political dimension, his constitutional rights to freedom of movement and association should still be respected.
The NDC deputy governorship candidate in Cross River State, Stella Archibong, also condemned the incident and called for an urgent investigation.
Archibong described the blockade as “unfortunate and unbecoming of a democratic society,” urging the relevant authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that they faced justice.
### Makinde alleges APC involvement
The Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, alleged that the blockade was carried out by suspected state-sponsored thugs as part of an attempt to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, Makinde accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to suppress opposition voices.
He described the incident as “a new low” in political efforts to prevent opposition candidates from freely campaigning and engaging with Nigerians.
Makinde also criticised the reported position of the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state.
He argued that Nigerians did not require permission from a state government to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” he said.
However, Makinde did not provide evidence linking the APC to the suspects arrested, while the police have not announced any connection between those in custody and the ruling party.
The Benue State Government has also denied involvement in the incident.
### Youth group demands apology
The Nigeria Patriotic Youths Forum condemned the blockade and called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to publicly apologise over the incident.
The group’s National Coordinator, Clifford Obinwanne Chukwuonye, said political disagreements should not be allowed to override citizens’ constitutional rights.
“We should respect the rule of law and we must respect each other’s fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.
Chukwuonye described the incident as an alleged abuse of power and warned that such developments could create a dangerous atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also urged Nigerian youths to reject attempts by politicians to recruit them for violence, intimidation or political attacks.
### Socio-cultural groups condemn incident
Benue’s three major socio-cultural groups, Mdzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Omi Ny’Igede, also condemned the obstruction.
The chairman of the groups, Air Commodore Agbecha Titus (retd.), said it was troubling that anyone would prevent a political leader or citizen from visiting a community to offer condolences and solidarity to victims of violence.
“We condemn any act that obstructs leaders, dignitaries, or citizens from offering comfort and solidarity to grieving communities,” he said.
Agbecha warned against allowing the actions of individuals to portray Benue as hostile to visitors, stressing the need for dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Benue is known for hospitality and dignity. We cannot allow isolated actions to define us or to be used to paint our state as hostile to peace and dialogue,” he said.
The groups called on security agencies to protect citizens and visitors undertaking humanitarian and solidarity missions and pledged to engage youth leaders and other stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.
The latest incident is not the first disagreement involving Obi and the Benue State Government over a planned humanitarian visit.
In April 2025, Obi had accused the state government of frustrating his planned visit to internally displaced persons and a nursing school, leading to a public disagreement between the former Anambra State governor and the government.
With 46 suspects now in custody and further arrests expected, attention is likely to focus on the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s blockade, including who organised the action, its motive and whether any political group was involved.
