The Benue State Commissioner of Police has officially denied claims that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) instructed him to deliver a letter to the state governor during Peter Obi’s recent visit to the state.
The clarification follows intense scrutiny over the disruption of the former presidential candidate’s movement on Tuesday. The convoy of Peter Obi was blocked by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, leading to a standoff that raised questions about security coordination and the role of law enforcement.
The police chief emphasised that his mandate was strictly limited to providing security for the visiting dignitary and ensuring the safety of the convoy. He stated that the police command was not involved in any administrative or political communication between the NDC and the Benue state government.
Security protocols and convoy disruption
The controversy erupted after the convoy was intercepted by youths on the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, a critical transport link in the state. The blockade caused significant delays and tension for the travelling delegation, prompting discussions on whether security agencies had been sufficiently prepared for the high-profile political movement or if there was a lapse in intelligence.
According to the statement made by the Commissioner of Police regarding the Obi Benue visit, there was no directive from any political party to use the police as a messenger to the state’s executive leadership.
The CP’s response aims to address allegations that the police may have been complicit in the political friction or had overstepped their professional boundaries by involving themselves in the delivery of political correspondence. The command maintains that its operations are strictly governed by security protocols aimed at public safety rather than political facilitation.
The disruption has highlighted the complexities of managing high-profile political visits in Benue, where local tensions can quickly escalate. While the police maintain they acted solely within their security remit, the blockade remains a major point of contention for the Labour Party and supporters of Peter Obi, who view the incident as an affront to their freedom of movement.
As of the time of this report, the Benue State government has not issued a formal response to the claims involving the NDC or the police’s role in the movement. Furthermore, the specific identities and motivations of the youths who blocked the highway have not been officially released, leaving questions about the orchestration of the blockade unresolved.
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