The Benue State Police Command has defended its use of teargas against protesters in Makurdi, claiming the demonstrators attempted to attack Deputy Governor John Ode during Sunday's protest over deadly herdsmen attacks.
Hundreds of Benue youths had gathered at Wurkum roundabout to protest the recent massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Police Explanation
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet explained in a Monday statement that the deputy governor visited the protest site to address the youth, but "unfortunately, the crowd declined to be addressed."
"The protest was soon hijacked by disruptive elements who attempted to attack the Deputy Governor," Edet claimed. "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 police spokesperson further stated that "no casualties or injuries were recorded during this operation."
Background of the Protests
The protests were triggered by escalating violence in Benue communities, particularly the recent attack in Yelewata. Demonstrators aimed to draw global attention to what they describe as incessant and deadly attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen across the state.
BenriNews gathered that police officers were seen firing teargas to disperse the angry protesters who had converged at the Wurkum roundabout in Makurdi, the state capital.
The situation highlights growing tensions in Benue State, where farmer-herder conflicts have resulted in numerous casualties over the years.
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