The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 14 persons in connection with Sunday’s protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to the police, the protest, which began at Wurukum Roundabout as a demonstration against rising insecurity in the state, was later hijacked by hoodlums who attempted to disrupt public peace.

The Benue State Police Command said the situation escalated when the demonstrators refused to be addressed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. John Ode, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, who visited the scene to appeal for calm.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, police operatives were forced to deploy non-lethal crowd control measures, including smoke and water cannons, to disperse the violent elements and ensure the safe evacuation of the Deputy Governor.

“No casualties or injuries were recorded during the operation,” the statement said.

However, in a separate incident later that day, a group of alleged sympathizers of the protest blocked a road in Apir, on the outskirts of Makurdi.

They reportedly intercepted a truck and set it ablaze with the driver trapped inside.

The driver’s identity remains unknown.

The police confirmed that fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with the violent incidents and will be prosecuted. Investigations are ongoing to identify other culprits behind the arson and disruption.

“The Benue State Police Command supports lawful civic engagement but will not tolerate violence, destruction of property, or threats to public safety,” the statement read.