The Benue State Police Command has said the protest against the killings in Benue State was hijacked by some elements who attempted to attack the deputy governor.

In a statement, the command said police 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.

The command said no casualties or injuries were recorded during the operation.

It lamented that a separate group of hoodlums, reportedly sympathetic to the protest, obstructed a roadway in Apir, on the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.

The command said they forcefully stopped a truck, which was subsequently set ablaze, with the yet-to-be-identified driver trapped inside.

It said 14 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incidents, adding that Investigations were ongoing to apprehend other culprits and instigators behind the violence.

The command said the situation has now been brought under full control, and peace has been restored through the collaborative efforts of the police and other security agencies.

ASA