The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the disruption of Peter Obi’s convoy during his visit to the state.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when the presidential candidate was travelling through Benue as part of a visit to communities affected by recent attacks.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested following the obstruction of Obi’s convoy and the ensuing confrontation along the route.
The incident has generated widespread condemnation, with political groups and individuals calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Obi, who is a presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, had travelled to the state to express solidarity with victims of the recent violence and meet affected communities.
Reports said the convoy was stopped by a group of people who blocked the road, preventing Obi and members of his team from proceeding with the visit.
The development has also triggered a political dispute over who was responsible for the obstruction.
Obi had earlier alleged that an aide to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia was involved in the incident. The allegation has been denied by the governor’s camp, which said the state government had no prior knowledge of Obi’s visit.
The police have not publicly established that the governor’s aide or the state government was responsible for the incident.
The arrest of the 46 suspects is expected to assist investigators in determining what led to the confrontation and whether the incident was politically motivated.
The police are also expected to establish the identities and roles of those involved as investigations continue.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with Obi already emerging as one of the major opposition figures preparing for the presidential contest.
Authorities have assured that those found culpable will face the law as investigations into the incident continue.
