The Benue State Police Command has reported the arrest of 14 individuals allegedly involved in the hijacking of a youth-led protest in Makurdi on Sunday.
According to the police, the suspects blocked a road in Apir, located on the outskirts of Makurdi, where they intercepted a truck and set it on fire with the driver—yet to be identified—trapped inside.
This was disclosed in a statement issued late Sunday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet.
She assured that the arrested suspects would face prosecution, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals responsible for instigating the violence.
The statement reads partly, “The Benue State Police Command acknowledges a public demonstration that took place on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when a number of individuals gathered at the Wurukum Roundabout, Makurdi, to express grievances over recent security incidents in the state.
“While the right to peaceful protest is respected and protected, it is imperative that such expressions remain lawful and non-violent.
“Upon receiving intelligence regarding the protest, tactical teams were immediately deployed to monitor and maintain order. The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, in a display of proactive leadership, visited the protest site alongside the Deputy Governor of Benue State, John Ode, to engage with the demonstrators and appeal for calm.
“Unfortunately, the crowd declined to be addressed, and the protest was soon hijacked by disruptive elements who attempted to attack the Deputy Governor.”
The police stated that officers quickly stepped in, using non-lethal methods such as smoke and water cannons to manage the crowd and ensure the Deputy Governor’s safe evacuation, noting that there were no injuries or fatalities during the operation.
“Tragically later, a separate group of hoodlums reportedly sympathetic to the protest obstructed a roadway in Apir, on the outskirts of Makurdi. They forcefully stopped a truck, which was subsequently set ablaze with the yet-to-be-identified driver trapped inside.
“The command has so far arrested 14 suspects in connection with these incidents. They will be prosecuted accordingly. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other culprits and instigators behind the violence,” he stated.
The command reiterated its support for peaceful civic expression but firmly condemned all forms of violence, destruction, and unlawful conduct.
“We commend the responsible conduct of peaceful protesters and assure the public of our unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across the State,” the statement concluded.
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