Youths in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday took to the streets in protest against the latest wave of killings in Yelewata, Saidu, and several other communities across the state.
According to reports, the protesters, clad in black outfits and with placards, tree leaves, and banners, commenced the peaceful protest as early as 7:00 a.m.
They gathered at the main gate of Moses Orshio University, formerly Benue State University, located along the Makurdi-Gboko Road.
The protest came a day after a deadly attack allegedly carried out by armed herders in Yelewata and Saidu communities in Guma Local Government Area left over 100 people dead, including security personnel.
Meanwhile, during the protest, armed soldiers and anti-riot police officers were stationed in key areas, with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) deployed to the Wurukum Roundabout, a link between northern and southern Nigeria.
Despite the heavy security build-up, the protest remained peaceful. The demonstrators marched towards Wurukum Roundabout and converged around the iconic Food Basket statue, chanting in unison, “Stop Benue killings! Stop Benue killings!”
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Mzamber Agatha, who tearfully recounted her personal loss during the recent attack to reporters, said, “I lost my mother and five of my children in the massacre, we are tired. The federal government must act to stop this bloodshed.”
The killing occurred late Saturday night, when armed men believed to be herders stormed Yelewata and Daudu towns, unleashing terror on residents and leaving a trail of death and destruction.
According to local sources, the assault was one of the deadliest in recent times, with scores of civilians and security operatives among the casualties.
