By Ayodele Oni
Contrary to the claim by the Benue State Government, the State Police Command has disclosed that it was aware of the planned visit to Makurdi by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, (NDC), Peter Obi.
The Command has also confirmed that Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths in Makurdi on Tuesday, when he attempted to visit communities affected by the 2025 Yelwata massacre.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the Command has launched a full investigation to determine why the road was blocked and to identify those responsible.
He stated that the investigation will determine whether the blockade was spontaneous or politically organised.
In an earlier statement Tersoo Kula,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, had stated how curious it is “that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement.
“Ordinarily, such a visit would attract the attention and necessary security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.
But putting a lie to the Government’s statement while speaking to Journalists, Nwadiogbu said the Police were officially notified that Obi’s trip was not for political campaign, but to commiserate with victims of the June 13, 2025 attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
The attack claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands, sparking national outrage and renewed calls for improved security in Benue.
“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,” the CP stated.
According to him, security operatives were deployed to escort Obi to Yelwata. Youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him. However, trouble began upon Obi’s arrival in the State capital.
“Unfortunately, upon his arrival, we heard that the youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him,” Nwadiogbu said.
Videos shared online showed a roadblock near the Air Force Base along Boko Road, with individuals running after vehicles in the convoy. The identities of those involved remain unknown.
The Commissioner said police officers on ground managed to de-escalate the situation, but Obi was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata and later left the State.
Nwadiogbu promised that the Command would not ignore the incident.
“We must get to the bottom of it and know why the youths said somebody cannot move freely.”
He added that Police are also investigating circumstances surrounding the blockade and any possible destruction that occurred during the incident. The CP promised to make findings of the investigation public once concluded.
Obi and his team had maintained that the visit was purely humanitarian. His media aide described it as a mission of solidarity, not politics.
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