Police in Benue State have confirmed the arrest of 14 people after a protest in Makurdi, the state capital, turned violent on Sunday.

The protest started peacefully at Wurukum Roundabout. People came out to show their frustration over the increasing insecurity in the state. However, things took a different turn when some hoodlums hijacked the protest and began causing trouble.

The situation worsened when the Deputy Governor, Barrister John Ode, and the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, visited the protest ground to calm things down. The crowd refused to listen to them or cooperate.

According to the police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, officers had to use safe methods like releasing smoke and spraying water to control the crowd and protect the Deputy Governor during the tense situation.

Thankfully, no one was injured or hurt during this operation.

Later in the day, another group believed to be supporters of the protest blocked a road in Apir, a community on the outskirts of Makurdi.

This group stopped a truck on the road and set it on fire. Sadly, the truck driver was inside and couldn’t escape. His identity is still not known.

The police have arrested 14 suspects linked to the violence and plan to charge them in court. Investigations are still ongoing to find other people involved in the destruction and killing.

The Benue Police Command stated that while peaceful protests are allowed, violence, destruction, and threats to public safety will not be tolerated.