Benue news
Benue massacre: Police arrest 14 over protest in Makurdi

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of fourteen individuals linked to Sunday’s protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The demonstration, which started peacefully at Wurukum Roundabout as an outcry against escalating insecurity in the state, was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums intent on disrupting public peace.
According to the Benue State Police Command, tensions heightened when the protesters refused to listen to appeals for calm from the state’s Deputy Governor, Barr. John Ode, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, both visited the scene.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the police deployed non-lethal crowd control tools—including smoke and water cannons, to disperse the violent elements and safely evacuate the Deputy Governor.
“No casualties or injuries were recorded during the operation,” the statement noted.
Later that day, a separate incident occurred in Apir, on the outskirts of Makurdi, where a group of suspected protest sympathizers reportedly blocked a road, intercepted a truck, and set it ablaze with the driver still inside. The identity of the victim has yet to be confirmed.
The police have since arrested 14 suspects in connection with the violent events and stated that they will face prosecution. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the arson and disruption.
“The Benue State Police Command encourages peaceful and lawful protest but will not tolerate any form of violence, destruction of property, or threats to public safety,” the statement added.