Benue: Police confirm youths blocked Peter Obi’s convoy, begin probe

The Benue State Police Command has acknowledged that a group of youths obstructed the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while he was travelling to Yelwata on Tuesday.

The development was confirmed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, in a response to an inquiry by our correspondent.

According to the police spokesperson, officers were deployed to provide security for Obi and his entourage during the movement.

He added that the command was investigating the circumstances that led to the obstruction and had not yet established why the youths blocked the convoy.

Aondongu said: “We can confirm that the Police are aware of the incident involving Peter Obi’s movement to Yelwata. Police operatives provided security for the movement.

“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown.

We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Further updates will be provided accordingly.”

The incident occurred amid reports that Obi was heading to Yelwata as part of his visit to communities affected by previous attacks in the state.

Earlier, Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, claimed that individuals suspected to be sponsored thugs had barricaded a road close to the Air Force Base, allegedly in an effort to stop the former Anambra State governor and his team from continuing their journey.

Umoh also circulated video footage purportedly showing some people pursuing vehicles believed to be travelling with Obi’s delegation.

The police command has not released the names of those involved in the obstruction and has not determined the motive behind the action as investigations continue.