46 people detained in Nigeria over blocking Peter Obi’s convoy
Nigerian police reported the detention of 46 people linked to the blocking of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi during his visit to Benue State. The incident occurred on Tuesday on the Gboko road near an air force base when the politician arrived in the state.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, State Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu said law enforcement officers were informed about Obi’s visit at around 5:30 p.m. on Monday. To provide security, police deployed personnel, including three police escort vehicles led by an assistant commissioner of police.
Police actions
According to Nwadiogbu, a group of people blocked the convoy’s path, creating a tense situation that could have escalated into violence. Police initially did not use force due to concerns about possible casualties and property damage.
Law enforcement officers ultimately escorted Obi to the airport, from where he left the state. After the incident, police launched intelligence-led operations to identify everyone involved. The commissioner noted that the investigation is ongoing and that those whose guilt is established will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
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Statements by the parties
Police said Obi’s visit was not campaign-related: he arrived to express condolences to families affected by the crisis in Yelwata. According to police, representatives of the candidate had said that only a small number of people would accompany him.
Obi’s campaign photographer, Esther Umoh, wrote on social media platform X that the road was, in her words, blocked by allegedly sponsored thugs to prevent the candidate from entering the state. The outlet published videos showing men with sticks and other objects pursuing the convoy as it turned around, while police officers stood between the group and the vehicles.
The Benue State government denied involvement in the incident. Governor’s spokesperson Tersoo Kula said the authorities do not engage or use thugs for governance or security. Amnesty International condemned the alleged use of political thugs to block Obi’s movement and called for an investigation.
