Sep 9, 2026

Benue Police Arrest 46 Suspects After Youths Block Peter Obi’s Convoy

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Makurdi, Nigeria—September 9, 2026—The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi during his visit to the state on Tuesday.

Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu disclosed the arrests while addressing journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.

He said the investigation remains ongoing, with key leaders of the youths involved still being trailed. Nwadiogbu warned that the police would not tolerate any form of political intolerance as the 2027 general elections approach.

How the Blockade Unfolded

Obi arrived in Makurdi on Tuesday morning intending to visit the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area.

There, he planned to condole with families affected by the June 13, 2025, attack that left over 270 people dead.

His convoy was stopped a short distance from the airport on the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway by a group of youths who mounted a roadblock, chanting “Peter Obi go back.” Some were reported to be wielding sticks.

Videos circulating online showed the confrontation, with police officers present at the scene. Obi and his team eventually turned back and returned to the airport without reaching their destination.

The former Anambra State governor described the experience as “deeply distressing” and “worrisome,” insisting his visit was humanitarian rather than political.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to intervene and hold relevant authorities accountable.

Police Account and Security Measures

Nwadiogbu stated that the command was notified of Obi’s planned visit around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7. Adequate security was deployed, including three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

The commissioner explained that officers took a tactical decision not to use force to avoid potential loss of lives or destruction of property. Obi was safely escorted back to the airport.

“The tactical decision taken by the Police should not be mistaken for inaction,” Nwadiogbu said. He added that intelligence-led operations began immediately, resulting in the 46 arrests so far.

Reactions and Denials

The Benue State Government has denied any involvement. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, described Obi’s allegations of state-sponsored thugs as unfounded and an attempt to drag the governor into partisan politics.

Opposition figures quickly condemned the incident. Seyi Makinde, presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), called the blockade “deeply disturbing” and a new low in efforts to stifle opposition voices ahead of 2027.

Other leaders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, also criticized the obstruction, describing it as a threat to democratic rights and freedom of movement.

Broader Implications

The episode has heightened concerns about political intolerance and security for opposition figures as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Analysts note that such incidents risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process if not thoroughly investigated and resolved.

Police have pledged to continue efforts to identify and prosecute all those connected to the blockade. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.