The Benue State Police Command has launched an investigation into the reported blockade of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Makurdi.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped by youths on Tuesday as he travelled to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to visit communities affected by the deadly June 13, 2025 attack.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the command was investigating the circumstances surrounding the blockade and would identify those responsible.
Nwadiogbu said police authorities were informed that Obi’s visit was humanitarian and not connected to political campaigning.
“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 commissioner said.
According to him, police operatives were deployed to provide security for Obi and his team throughout the planned visit to Yelwata.
However, the situation reportedly changed after the convoy arrived in Makurdi.
“Unfortunately, upon his arrival, we heard that the youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him,” Nwadiogbu said.
Videos circulated on social media showed a group of people blocking a road near the Air Force Base along the Boko Road axis, with some individuals reportedly running after vehicles in the convoy.
The police commissioner said officers at the scene intervened to prevent the situation from escalating, but Obi was unable to continue his journey to Yelwata and subsequently left the state.
Nwadiogbu said the command would establish what triggered the protest and determine whether anyone organised or sponsored the blockade.
“We must get to the bottom of it and know why the youths said somebody cannot move freely,” he said.
He added that investigators would also examine reports of possible damage or destruction linked to the incident.
The commissioner assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made known when concluded.
Background
Obi’s camp has maintained that the visit was strictly humanitarian, describing it as an expression of solidarity with victims and survivors of the Yelwata tragedy.
The June 13, 2025 attack in Yelwata, which claimed more than 200 lives and displaced thousands of residents, generated widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger security measures in Benue.
The convoy blockade has since triggered political controversy. While Governor Hyacinth Alia’s camp has denied involvement, Obi’s supporters have alleged that state actors may have mobilised the youths.
The police investigation is now expected to determine whether the incident was a spontaneous protest or a coordinated action.
