Police Say Obi Informed Ahead, Received Clearance, Was Given Security For Jeopardised Benue Visit
The Commissioner of Police for Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, has weighed in opposition leader, Peter Obi, getting blocked on Tuesday by suspected thugs during a visit to the state, when the politician attempted to pay a sympathy visit to Yelwata.
A 2025 attack on Yelwata claimed over 200 lives and displaced residents, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed calls for improved security in Benue.
Nwadiogbu said the command had commenced an investigation to establish why some youths blocked the convoy from proceeding on the visit.
According to Nwadiogbu, the police had provided security for Obi’s movement to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where he was expected to visit communities affected by the June 13, 2025, deadly attack.
He said the police were informed that Obi’s visit was not for a political campaign but to visit some people and commiserate with victims of the attack.
“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,” he said.
The Commissioner, however, said that upon the politician’s arrival, the police received information that youths had blocked the road and prevented him from proceeding to Yelwata.
“Unfortunately, upon his arrival, we heard that the youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him,” he said.
Nwadiogbu said the command had managed the situation but would not ignore the incident, adding that investigations would determine why the youths acted as they did.
“We must get to the bottom of it and know why the youths said somebody cannot move freely,” he said.
He said after being prevented from proceeding to his destination, Obi aborted the planned visit and later left the state.
The Commissioner said the command was also investigating circumstances surrounding the blockade and possible destruction during the incident.
