Fourteen suspects have been arrested in Makurdi for hijacking peaceful protests by youths against Saturday’s killing of over 200 people by suspected armed herdsmen in Yelewata and Dauda communities of Guma LGA of Benue.

A spokesperson for the command, Udeme Edet, in a statement on Sunday, alleged that the nabbed rogue protesters obstructed a road in Apir and set a truck with the yet-to-be-identified inside driver ablaze.

The 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.”

Police commissioner Ifeanyi Emenari visited the protest site alongside Deputy Governor John Ode to engage the demonstrators and appeal for calm, but “the crowd declined to be addressed, and the protest was soon hijacked by disruptive elements who attempted to attack the deputy governor.”

The statement added, “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.”

Condemning the acts of violence, destruction, and lawlessness while reiterating its support for lawful civic engagement, the command assured that the nabbed suspects will be prosecuted, adding that investigation is ongoing to apprehend other culprits and instigators behind the violence, 

“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 police said.