14 Arrested as Protesters Set Truck and Driver Ablaze in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects who hijacked a peaceful protest by youths in Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday.

According to the command, the suspects blocked a road in Apir, a suburb of Makurdi, forcibly stopped a truck, and set it on fire with the unidentified driver still inside.

This is contained in the statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet and made available to journalists on Sunday.

She promised that the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly as investigations were ongoing to apprehend other culprits and instigators behind the violence.

The statement reads partly, ‎”The Benue State Police Command acknowledges a public demonstration that took place on Sunday 15th June, 2025, when a number of individuals gathered at 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, Barr. John Ode, in an effort 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.

“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. ‎ “‎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.” ‎ ‎While reiterating its support for lawful civic engagement, the command however condemned acts of violence, destruction, and lawlessness.

“We commend the peaceful protesters for conducting themselves in a responsible and orderly manner, even in the face of heightened tension,” the statement concluded. “Their actions reflect the true spirit of civic engagement and contribute to a stable and democratic society.

We also want to reassure all residents of our firm and continuous commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that Benue State remains a safe and secure environment for everyone.”