Connect with us

NEWS

Benue Blockade: Why Obi Was Stopped — State Govt Breaks Silence

Published

on

The Benue State Government has denied any involvement in the reported blockade of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Solomon Lorpev, said the government was not officially informed about Obi’s visit and described the failure to notify the state authorities as a breach of protocol.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Lorpev rejected claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia or his administration sent people to prevent Obi from travelling within the state.

SEE MORE: FG Aims to Finish Olobiri Museum in 2028

According to the commissioner, the government only became aware of the incident after reports emerged that Obi’s convoy had been stopped along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway.

Lorpev argued that Obi, being a former governor and presidential candidate, should have informed the state government of his arrival because of the security implications surrounding his movement.

He said the police could not be regarded as acting on behalf of the governor simply because Obi’s party had informed the police of his planned visit.

The commissioner also challenged individuals alleging that government appointees were behind the blockade to provide evidence.

He maintained that the state government was investigating the incident and would issue a statement once the facts were established.

The controversy followed Obi’s arrival in Makurdi on Tuesday for a planned visit to Yelewata, where he intended to sympathise with families affected by the deadly June 2025 attacks.

Obi arrived at the Tactical Air Command airport in Makurdi at about 9 a.m. and was received by NDC governorship candidate Terhemba Shija and other party officials.

However, his convoy reportedly encountered a roadblock mounted by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway shortly after leaving the airport.

The blockade reportedly caused traffic congestion after the road was closed to motorists.

Reacting to the incident, Obi described the development as “very worrisome” and condemned the use of youths to perpetrate political violence.

He said he had travelled to Yelewata to console victims and show solidarity with families affected by the killings.

The incident has since triggered renewed debate over political freedom, security arrangements and the responsibilities of state authorities during visits by prominent political figures.

While the Benue Government continues to deny responsibility for the blockade, it says its investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any government officials were involved.

NEWS

FCT Police Warn Motorists Against One-Way Driving, Reject Calls From VIPs

Published

on

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way, cautioning that influential connections or calls from senior police officers and government officials will not shield offenders from prosecution.

The Command said the practice, particularly around road construction sites, diversion points and restricted routes, poses serious risks to lives and property.

SEE ALSO: Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

In a press statement issued on Monday, November 9, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Command was concerned about the increasing disregard for traffic regulations by motorists who deliberately drive against traffic, ignore road signs and bypass designated diversions to avoid congestion.

Adeh stressed that no individual, regardless of status, position or connections, would be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic regulations.

She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, had directed the Command’s Motor Traffic Department (MOTOPOL) and all Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs) to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement operations.

According to the statement, the directive includes the arrest and immediate prosecution of motorists caught driving against traffic or disobeying lawful traffic instructions.

The Commissioner also warned police officers involved in the enforcement exercise against exploiting the operation to extort motorists, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with existing police rules and regulations.

The Command urged motorists to exercise patience, obey traffic signs and follow instructions from authorised traffic officers, noting that saving a few minutes through reckless driving was not worth the risk of losing lives or damaging property.

It also called on residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

The Command provided the following emergency contact numbers for security-related reports: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

Published

on

Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents

The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

Continue Reading

NEWS

2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

Published

on

Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x