Tension is mounting in Benue State following a wave of violent attacks that have claimed at least 26 lives, sparking widespread protests and renewed calls for urgent government intervention.
On Sunday, June 15, hundreds of angry youths took to the streets of Makurdi, the state capital, blocking the busy Abuja-Makurdi highway and the Wurukum Roundabout. The protest, which began at the Wurukum Food Basket Roundabout, resulted in significant traffic disruption and panic among commuters.
The demonstrators demanded justice for victims of recent killings and stronger security measures to curb the worsening violence in the state. According to a report by Channels TV, the situation grew tense when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, attempted to address the crowd. The protesters rejected his appeal, insisting that Governor Hyacinth Alia appear in person to speak with them.
Tensions flared further when security forces, including armed police and soldiers, arrived at the scene. Attempts to disperse the protesters using tear gas led to a standoff, but the demonstrators remained defiant. They continued to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia to take decisive action to end the violence.
Governor Alia, through a statement delivered by his deputy, condemned the killings in Yelewata, attributing the attacks to suspected armed herders. He stated that “no grievance should justify the taking of innocent lives” and promised to work tirelessly to restore peace across the state.
He also revealed that additional tactical teams had begun arriving in Benue from the federal government, with more security deployments expected in vulnerable areas.
As outrage continues to grow, citizens are demanding accountability and immediate action from both state and federal authorities to stem the tide of violence that has plagued Benue for years.
