The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the blockade of the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Makurdi.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying the command had commenced investigation to establish why some youths blocked the convoy.
Nwadiogbu said the police had provided security for Obi’s movement to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where he was expected to visit communities affected by the June 13, 2025, deadly attack.
He said the police were informed that Obi’s visit was not for political campaign but to visit some people and commiserate with victims of the attack.
“Everybody has freedom of movement in Nigeria, so I provided security. I also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to personally lead the men,” he said.
The commissioner, however, said that upon Obi’s arrival, the police received information that youths had blocked the road and prevented him from proceeding to Yelwata.
“Unfortunately, upon his arrival, we heard that the youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him,” he said.
Nwadiogbu said the command had managed the situation but would not ignore the incident, adding that investigations would determine why the youths acted as they did.
“We must get to the bottom of it and know why the youths said somebody cannot move freely,” he said.
He said after being prevented from proceeding to his destination, Obi later left the state.
The commissioner said the command was also investigating circumstances surrounding the blockade and possible destruction during the incident.
Nwadiogbu promised to provide the findings of the investigation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 2025 attack on Yelwata claimed over 200 lives and displaced residents, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed calls for improved security in Benue. (NAN)