Hundreds of young people marched through Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday to protest ongoing killings and violent attacks across communities. The protest came in response to a deadly attack on Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area, where many residents were reportedly killed late Friday.
The protesters gathered at the Wurukum Roundabout, blocking major roads and calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action. They demanded that security agencies intensify efforts to restore peace and help displaced persons return to their homes.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Brahms Ikuan, one of the protesters, expressed frustration over the state of insecurity. He said Benue had suffered repeated attacks without sufficient government intervention, even when citizens provided useful information about the attackers’ movements.
“We’ve cried out for help, we’ve written letters, but no one listens. After the Yelwata attack, we still haven’t heard from any authority. At this point, we’re not sure Benue will survive much longer,” he said. He also accused the authorities of remaining silent in the face of what he described as genocide, warning that continued inaction could lead to the destruction of entire communities.
Another protester, Mr. Gideon Inyom, criticised the government for relaxing the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. He said this policy shift has given herders unrestricted access to communities, worsening the security situation. According to him, their demands are simple: they want safety and protection of life and property, which he described as the basic responsibility of any government.
At the scene of the protest, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emenari Ifeanyi, told journalists that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, had taken direct control of security operations in the state. He said special police units had been deployed to areas like Gwer West, Apa, and Agatu.
He described the Yelwata incident as a desperate move by attackers trying to regain control, stating that tactical teams were already operating in the area before the attack occurred. He urged residents to allow security personnel space to work and promised a strong response.
Mr. Ifeanyi added that Governor Hyacinth Alia had provided the police with all the logistical support needed to address the crisis. As the protest escalated, a military helicopter was seen patrolling the skies over the Wurukum Roundabout, indicating an increased federal security presence.
Efforts by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode to address the protesters were unsuccessful, as demonstrators demanded tangible action instead of words. Many voiced concern that the government’s response had been too slow and insufficient.
Benue State has been plagued by violent clashes between armed herders and farming communities for years. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and countless lives have been lost. Sunday’s protest was not only a reaction to recent events but also a desperate call for long-overdue protection and justice.
