Youths in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday took to the streets in protest over the recent wave of deadly attacks across the State, blocking major roads and demanding an end to the killings.
Dressed in black and carrying placards and palm fronds, the protesters converged on the busy Wurukum area, chanting solidarity songs and decrying the persistent bloodshed in the state.
The demonstration, which caused significant traffic disruption, came a day after armed herdsmen launched fresh attacks on Yelwata and Daudu in Guma local government area, killing hundreds, including security personnel.
The protest reflects growing frustration among residents, particularly the youth, over what they describe as government inaction in the face of repeated massacres in Guma, Gwer-West, Apa and other parts of the State.
In response to the mounting insecurity, the State governor, Hyacinth Alia announced yesterday that Special Forces and Tactical Response squads have begun arriving in Benue to combat the escalating violence. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor condemned the attacks and assured citizens that coordinated security reinforcements were underway.
“I acknowledge and share in your pain and grief”, Alia said. “More tactical teams are arriving, and additional deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas. Strategic community dialogues and active intelligence sharing are also ongoing”.
Alia urged traditional, religious, and political leaders to help prevent civil unrest by guiding youths away from unlawful protests that could spiral into violence. He encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through official channels and emphasised the State’s commitment to restoring peace and justice.
The Governor also confirmed that his Deputy, Sam Ode, had visited the affected communities to commiserate with victims and assess the situation firsthand.
