Authorities in Benue State have confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals in connection with a protest that turned violent in Makurdi over the weekend.
The protest was sparked by renewed killings reportedly carried out by suspected armed invaders in parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, explained that the arrests followed a demonstration that occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, the state capital.
“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,” Edet stated.
“While the right to peaceful protest is respected and protected, it is imperative that such expressions remain lawful and non-violent.”
According to the police spokesperson, intelligence on the protest prompted immediate deployment of tactical units to monitor the situation and ensure public order.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, alongside the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Sam Ode, visited the scene in a bid to engage with the demonstrators and restore calm.
“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, Barr. Sam Ode, in an effort to engage with the demonstrators and appeal for calm,” the statement read.
However, Edet reported that the crowd refused to be addressed, and the demonstration was soon overtaken by disruptive elements.
These individuals allegedly attempted to assault the deputy governor, prompting police intervention.
“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 from the scene. No casualties or injuries were recorded during this operation,” the PPRO noted.
The situation escalated further when a separate group of hoodlums, believed to be sympathetic to the protest, blocked a roadway in Apir, a suburb on the outskirts of Makurdi.
The group allegedly stopped a truck and set it ablaze with the driver still inside. His identity remains unknown.
“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,” Edet stated.
The police confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects linked to both the protest and the violent acts that followed. Investigations are ongoing to track down other perpetrators.
“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 PPRO concluded.
