Benue State Police have arrested 14 suspects for allegedly hijacking a peaceful protest in Makurdi, leading to a truck being set ablaze with its driver trapped inside. Investigations are ongoing
Benue Police Action has led to the arrest of 14 suspects accused of hijacking a peaceful youth protest in Makurdi on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
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The command stated that these individuals obstructed a roadway in Apir, on the outskirts of Makurdi, forcefully stopped a truck, and tragically set it ablaze with the yet-to-be-identified driver trapped inside.
This information was disclosed in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, and made available to journalists late Sunday.
She affirmed that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted accordingly, with ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending other culprits and instigators behind the violence.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
The command detailed its response, stating that upon receiving intelligence, tactical teams were immediately deployed to monitor and maintain order.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, along with the Deputy Governor of Benue State, John Ode, visited the protest site in a display of proactive leadership to engage with 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.
Police officers swiftly intervened using non-lethal crowd control measures, including smoke and water cannons, to prevent harm and safely evacuate the Deputy Governor. The command noted that no casualties or injuries were recorded during this operation.
However, the statement confirmed a more tragic development: “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,” the spokesperson reiterated.
While reiterating its support for lawful civic engagement, the command strongly condemned acts of violence, destruction, and lawlessness.
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“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.
