The Benue State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy by some youths during his planned visit to Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying the command had deployed security personnel to accompany the former presidential candidate to the community.
Obi had planned to visit victims and communities affected by the deadly June 13, 2025 attack in Yelwata, which left more than 200 people dead and displaced thousands of residents.
Nwadiogbu said the police were informed that Obi’s visit was not politically motivated but was intended to enable him to sympathise 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,” the commissioner said.
However, the police chief said officers later received information that some youths had barricaded the road and were preventing Obi from reaching Yelwata.
“Unfortunately, upon his arrival, we heard that the youths blocked the road and said they did not want to see him,” Nwadiogbu said.
He said the police successfully managed the situation, but stressed that the circumstances surrounding the blockade would be thoroughly investigated.
“We must get to the bottom of it and know why the youths said somebody cannot move freely,” he added.
The commissioner also disclosed that the command was investigating reports of possible destruction linked to the incident.
Obi eventually left the state after he was unable to proceed to Yelwata.
Nwadiogbu assured that the police would disclose the outcome of their investigation.
