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 contingent of heavily armed escorts, which sparked widespread anxiety among local residents.
Community Reaction and Protests
Eyewitnesses told BenriNews that the presence of armed men alongside the herders created an atmosphere of fear throughout 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 alleged that the presence of the herders posed a significant security risk, particularly in light of recent deadly attacks on farming communities across Benue State.
Confrontation Escalates
Rep. Tarkighir reportedly arrived at the scene in an attempt to calm tensions and explain the situation. However, his intervention was roundly rejected by the protesters, who remained firm in their demand that both the cows and their Fulani handlers must leave the area without delay.
The confrontation reached a climax when the youths, undeterred by the presence of security personnel, began actively chasing the herd out of the neighborhood, forcing the Fulani herders to flee with their cattle.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between farming communities and herders in Benue State, which has witnessed numerous violent clashes in recent years.
As of the time of reporting, neither Rep. Tarkighir nor state security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
