Angry youths in Benue State took to the streets on Sunday, blocking the busy Abuja-Makurdi highway in protest against the continued killings in the state. The demonstrators, dressed in black attire and carrying palm fronds and placards with various inscriptions, created a barricade that disrupted vehicular movement and caused significant traffic congestion.
The protest erupted less than 24 hours after a devastating attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed over 200 people. Commuters were left stranded as protesters prevented vehicles from passing through the highway, creating panic among travelers.
Government Response and Rising Tensions
Prior to the protest, the Benue State Government had issued warnings against unlawful gatherings and confrontations, particularly by youths, as tensions escalated across affected communities. Despite these appeals for calm, the protesters expressed feelings of abandonment and demanded immediate security measures and justice for victims of the attacks.
"We cannot continue to bury our people while nothing is being done," one protester was heard saying as they maintained their blockade of the highway.
Yelewata Massacre Details
The attack on Yelewata community has been described as one of the deadliest in recent times in Benue State. Reports indicate that at least 107 bodies have been recovered following what locals are calling "Black Saturday." The Benue State Police have confirmed multiple casualties in the attack.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has decried the massacre and pledged to deploy more security operatives to affected areas. Meanwhile, political figure Franc Utoo has expressed mourning for the over 100 people killed in the Yelewata community.
This incident adds to a growing list of violent attacks in Benue State, including a recent assault on Mbaivur community near the Benue Air Force Base by suspected herdsmen.
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