Tension flared in the Nyorhyungu area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Monday morning as irate youths forcefully drove out a herd of cattle reportedly belonging to Dickson Tarkighir, a member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
The chaos erupted following the arrival of the cows on Sunday evening, accompanied by six Fulani herders and a group of heavily armed escorts, which immediately triggered widespread anxiety among local residents.
Community Panic and Confrontation
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to BenriNews, the presence of armed men alongside the herders created significant unrest in the community. "People couldn't sleep. There was panic everywhere. We were shocked to see armed escorts with cows parading through our community," said a resident who requested anonymity. "It felt like an invasion. No one knew what was happening or why they were here."
By dawn, scores of youths had taken to the streets in protest, demanding the immediate removal of both the cattle and their minders. The protesters, chanting and displaying placards, expressed concerns that the presence of the herders posed a security risk, particularly in light of recent deadly attacks on farming communities across Benue State.
Representative Tarkighir reportedly arrived at the scene attempting to defuse the situation and provide explanations. However, protesters roundly rejected his intervention, insisting that both the cows and their Fulani handlers must leave the area without delay.
Forced Evacuation
The confrontation reached its peak when the youths, undeterred by the presence of security personnel, began actively chasing the herd out of the neighborhood. This forced action ultimately led to the Fulani herders fleeing the area with the cattle.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Benue State regarding open grazing and security concerns, particularly in communities that have previously experienced farmer-herder conflicts.
As of press time, neither Representative Tarkighir nor local authorities had issued an official statement regarding the ownership of the cattle or the purpose of their presence in the residential area.
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