The police have arrested suspects in connection with the reported blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
Obi was in the state to visit Yelwata community and sympathise with families affected by the deadly attack that occurred there in June 2025.
However, his movement was disrupted after some youths reportedly barricaded the road around Gyado Villa along the Gboko Road in Makurdi.
The development attracted public attention after videos emerged showing protesters preventing Obi’s convoy from proceeding. According to reports, the youths reportedly insisted that the former Anambra State governor would not be allowed to pass.
The Benue State Police Command had earlier confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s visit and had deployed officers to provide security for his movement.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said he had directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, to personally lead officers assigned to the movement.
According to the police, officers were at the scene when the youths blocked the road. The command said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine why the protesters prevented Obi from proceeding.
Obi eventually returned from the area after the blockade prevented him from reaching Yelwata.
The incident has generated controversy, with different accounts emerging from Obi’s camp, the Benue State Government and the police.
Obi had alleged that suspected hired thugs were responsible for the blockade and claimed that they were acting on the instructions of a government aide. The Benue State Government, however, denied involvement and said it was not aware of the visit.
The state government also argued that Obi did not follow the required protocol by formally notifying the government of his planned visit. The police account, however, confirmed that the command had received information about Obi’s movement.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has called for a full investigation into the incident and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for obstructing the presidential candidate.
The development has also attracted condemnation from political figures, with calls for political actors and security agencies to ensure that citizens and political candidates can move freely across the country.
As investigations continue, the police are expected to establish the identities of those involved and determine the circumstances that led to the blockade.
The incident has further intensified political discussions in Benue ahead of the 2027 general elections.