Tension escalated in the Nyorhyungu area of Makurdi, Benue State capital, on Monday as angry youths forcibly drove away a herd of cattle reportedly belonging to Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, the House of Representatives member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
The confrontation erupted following the arrival of the cattle on Sunday evening, accompanied by six Fulani herders and several heavily armed escorts, which immediately triggered anxiety among local residents.
Community Reaction to Armed Escorts
"People couldn't sleep. There was panic everywhere. We were shocked to see armed escorts with cows parading through our community," a resident told BenriNews on condition of anonymity. "It felt like an invasion. No one knew what was happening or why they were here."
By daybreak, scores of youths had mobilized in protest, demanding the immediate removal of both the cattle and herders from their community. The protesters expressed concerns that the presence of armed Fulani herders posed a significant security threat, particularly given the history of deadly attacks on farming communities across Benue State.
When Rep. Tarkighir arrived at the scene attempting to defuse the situation, protesters reportedly rejected his explanations and maintained their demand for the immediate departure of the cattle and their handlers.
Forced Evacuation
The situation reached a climax when the youths, undeterred by security personnel present at the scene, began actively chasing the herd out of the neighborhood. This forced action reportedly compelled the Fulani herders to flee the area with the cattle.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between farming communities and herders in Benue State, where the state has implemented anti-open grazing laws to regulate cattle movement.
The situation in Makurdi remains tense as authorities work to prevent any further escalation of the conflict.
Stay updated with the latest developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
