On June 15, 2025, a protest in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, escalated into chaos when hoodlums hijacked what began as a demonstration against recent killings and rising insecurity. The protest, centered at Wurukum Roundabout, drew a significant crowd expressing frustration over the state’s security challenges. However, the situation deteriorated as some elements within the group turned violent, leading to a tragic incident that claimed a life and prompted swift police action.
The Benue State Police Command reported that the protest initially proceeded peacefully, with demonstrators voicing their grievances. In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Barr. John Ode, arrived at the scene to engage with the protesters and appeal for calm. Despite these efforts, a faction of the crowd rejected dialogue, and some attempted to assault the deputy governor, forcing security operatives to intervene to protect him.
To manage the escalating tension, the police employed non-lethal crowd control measures, including smoke and water cannons, to disperse the protesters at Wurukum Roundabout. According to the police spokesperson, DSP Sewuese Anene, no injuries or fatalities occurred during this dispersal operation, and the situation in Makurdi town was temporarily stabilized. However, the unrest spread to other areas, setting the stage for a more violent confrontation.
In Apir, a community on the outskirts of Makurdi, a separate group of hoodlums, reportedly sympathetic to the earlier protest, took their anger to the streets. They blocked a major roadway, halting traffic and targeting vehicles in their path. In a horrific act, the group stopped a truck, doused it with flammable substances, and set it ablaze with the driver still inside, leading to the driver’s death.
The identity of the driver remains unknown, as the intensity of the fire made immediate identification impossible. The truck, loaded with goods, was completely destroyed, and the incident sent shockwaves through the community. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with the perpetrators fleeing as residents attempted to extinguish the flames, but their efforts were too late to save the driver.
The Benue State Police Command swiftly responded to the Apir incident, deploying operatives to the scene to restore order and prevent further violence. By the evening of June 15, 14 suspects had been arrested in connection with both the Wurukum Roundabout disturbances and the fatal attack in Apir. DSP Anene confirmed that the suspects are in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement.
The police have launched a manhunt for additional perpetrators, with CP Emenari vowing that those responsible for the violence will face the full weight of the law. Preliminary investigations suggest that the Apir incident was orchestrated by opportunistic criminals exploiting the protest to unleash mayhem. The police are also working to establish whether the two incidents were coordinated or spontaneous acts of violence.
The Benue State Government, through the deputy governor’s office, condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased driver. Barr. Ode reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity, including recent attacks attributed to armed herders and other criminal elements. He urged residents to channel their grievances through lawful means and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions.
Community leaders in Makurdi and Apir have also weighed in, calling for restraint and cooperation with security agencies. The Tiv Youth Organization, a prominent socio-cultural group, described the killing of the driver as “barbaric” and urged youths to desist from acts that tarnish the image of the state. They also appealed to the government to expedite investigations and ensure justice for the victim.
The incident has reignited debates about the handling of protests in Nigeria, with some activists arguing that heavy-handed police tactics often escalate tensions. However, the police maintain that their response at Wurukum was proportionate and necessary to prevent harm to public officials and property. They emphasized that the right to protest is constitutionally protected but must not infringe on the rights of others or descend into lawlessness.
Residents of Apir, still reeling from the gruesome killing, have called for increased security presence in the area. Many expressed fear that the incident could trigger reprisal attacks or further unrest if not properly addressed. Local businesses along the affected roadway remained closed on June 16, as owners assessed the damage caused by the violence.
The police have assured the public that measures are in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Patrols have been intensified across Makurdi and its environs, with checkpoints established to monitor movement and deter criminal activity. CP Emenari has also appealed to residents to provide information that could aid the ongoing investigation, promising confidentiality for informants.
This tragic episode underscores the fragile security situation in Benue State, where communal clashes, herder-farmer conflicts, and banditry have claimed numerous lives in recent years. The state government has repeatedly called for federal support to bolster its security architecture, including the deployment of additional troops. However, critics argue that long-term solutions, such as addressing unemployment and poverty, are equally critical to curbing unrest.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the slain driver and preventing further violence. The 14 arrested suspects are expected to be charged once investigations are concluded, with potential offenses including murder, arson, and public disturbance. The police have urged calm while reaffirming their commitment to maintaining law and order in Benue State.
