The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 suspects in connection with the attack and blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests on Wednesday, saying the investigation into the incident was still ongoing.
Nwadiogbu said the command was also tracking some key leaders allegedly linked to the youths involved in the incident.
He warned that the police would not tolerate political intolerance or violence in Benue as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the commissioner, investigators would continue working to identify everyone involved in the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The arrests followed the blockade of Obi’s convoy while he was travelling to Yelwata, where he was scheduled to meet residents and sympathise with victims of the deadly attacks that occurred in the area in June 2025.
The incident occurred along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway, a few metres from the airport, when Obi’s convoy encountered a roadblock mounted by youths.
The convoy was reportedly prevented from proceeding along the two-lane highway, resulting in a confrontation that drew the attention of security personnel.
The incident generated political reactions, with concerns raised over the safety of political candidates and the possibility of rising political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
The police command said its investigation would establish the identities and roles of those involved before further action is taken.
The latest arrests bring the number of people taken into custody over the incident to 46, while the police continue to trail other persons considered relevant to the investigation.
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