By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

The Benue Police Command says it has arrested 46 persons allegedly involved in the obstruction of the movement of Mr Peter Obi during his visit to the state on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Cletus Nwadiogbu, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Makurdi while addressing journalists on the incident.

Nwadiogbu said the command was informed of Obi’s visit at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, prompting it to deploy adequate security, including three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He said Obi’s movement was subsequently obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence.

According to him, the police made a professional and tactical decision not to use force immediately in order to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property.

He said Obi was eventually escorted safely back to the airport and departed the state peacefully.

The commissioner stressed that the tactical decision should not be mistaken for police inaction, saying the command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible.

He said the command has so far arrested 46 suspects in connection to the crime.

“Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.

Nwadiogbu said the command remained a neutral and professional institution, adding that every Nigerian had 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.

The commissioner further disclosed that the investigation was ongoing and that those found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.

Nwadiogbu further explained that the visit had been presented to him as a non-campaign visit to families affected by the Yelwata crisis.

He said Obi’s representatives had indicated that only a small number of persons would accompany him, prompting the command to provide enhanced VIP security.

The commissioner also said he was personally handling a separate security crisis involving road blockades around Taka and Guma when he received information about the obstruction of Obi’s convoy.

He said the command had deployed undercover personnel to identify those responsible for the incident and establish their motives.

Nwadiogbu warned that with the country approaching a sensitive political period ahead of the 2027 elections, security agencies would not allow actions capable of escalating tensions to go unchecked.

He assured residents that the police would continue to act professionally while enforcing the law and protecting lives and property. (NAN)