How We Arrested 46 Suspects In Connection With Attack On Peter Obi In Benue – Police

The Benue State Police Command has disclosed that its operatives have apprehended 46 suspects following the attack and blockage of the convoy belonging to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Addressing newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu stated that the arrests resulted from intelligence-guided tracking operations launched immediately after the confrontation along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway.

Clarifying the timeline, Nwadiogbu noted that the command received formal notification of Obi’s visit at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7, prompting the deployment of tactical security teams.

Detailing the initial deployment, the commissioner said, “Consequently, adequate security was deployed, including three police escort vehicles with personnel led by an assistant commissioner of police.”

Explaining how the incident unfolded, Nwadiogbu noted that a group of aggressive individuals mounted road barricades, directly obstructing the former Anambra State governor’s motorcade.

Defending the on-scene operational response, he said, “At that point, the police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. The police subsequently ensured the safety of the former Anambra State governor by escorting him back to the airport, from where he departed the state peacefully.”

Reassuring the public regarding law enforcement actions, he emphasized, “Let me state clearly that the tactical decision taken by the police should not be mistaken for inaction.”

Updating journalists on the ongoing sweep, he added, “The Command immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible. 46 arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident.”

The confrontation occurred on Tuesday when suspected political thugs barricaded the highway in Makurdi, preventing Obi from traveling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to commiserate with families affected by the June 13, 2025 terrorist attack.