Angry Benue youths took to the streets on Sunday, blocking the Abuja-Makurdi highway in protest of the continued killings in the state. The demonstrators, dressed in black attire and carrying palm fronds and placards, barricaded the busy road, disrupting vehicular movement and demanding immediate action to end the bloodshed. This protest comes barely 24 hours after suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed.
The protesters prevented vehicles from passing, causing gridlock and panic among commuters. Despite the Benue State Government’s warning against unlawful gatherings and confrontations, particularly by youths, in the wake of escalating tensions across affected communities, the youths said they feel abandoned and are demanding concrete security measures and justice for the victims of the attacks.
The youths, mainly young residents, blocked the Wurukum Roundabout, a major entry and exit point connecting northern and southern Nigeria, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving many travelers and motorists stuck for hours. They accused the government of neglecting its responsibility to protect lives and property, especially in rural communities frequently targeted by attackers.
Chanting slogans and holding placards, the protesters demanded justice for the victims and called on the federal and state governments to take urgent and decisive action to end the bloodshed in Benue. Security operatives were later deployed to the scene, but the atmosphere remained tense as the protesters refused to back down, vowing to continue the demonstration until their concerns are addressed.
One of the protesters, Mzamber Agatha, tearfully revealed that she lost her mother and five children in the massacre, urging the federal government to take decisive action to end the violence in the state. The protesters converged on the Wurukum Roundabout, symbolically surrounding the Food Basket statue while chanting, “Stop Benue killings! Stop Benue killings!” Protest of Benue killings is seen as imperative at this time.
The protest follows a warning by the Benue State Government against unlawful gatherings, but the youths are determined to have their voices heard. The government must take concrete steps to address the security concerns and provide justice for the victims of the attacks.
Useless govt. If you like vote tribalism in 2027