The Benue State Police Command has paraded 46 suspects in connection with the blockade of the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday.

Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, told journalists in Makurdi that investigation is ongoing and that key leaders of the youths involved are being trailed.

The incident occurred on the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway as Obi’s convoy was heading to Yelewata community to commiserate with victims of the June 2025 attacks that claimed over 270 lives.

According to reports, angry youths mounted a roadblock a few meters from the airport, chanting “Peter Obi go back!” The blockade caused traffic congestion and Obi’s team did not proceed to avoid escalation.

Speaking on the incident, Obi condemned the act and called on security agencies to intervene.

“We arrived Makurdi at 9 AM to show solidarity with victims, only to be blocked by thugs. I appeal to the IG of police and governors to call this rascality to order. We are a country and must move freely,” he said.

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, also condemned the blockade on X, stating that all political candidates should be allowed to campaign freely. He urged the media to report such incidents fairly regardless of party affiliation.

The Benue State Government denied any role in the incident. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government described Obi’s allegation as unfounded and an attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia into an internal NDC matter.

“We emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about,” the statement read. It added that the administration does not deploy thugs and remains committed to peace and rule of law.

CP Nwadiogbu warned that the police will not tolerate political intolerance as the 2027 elections approach.

Source: Channels