By Omodele Adigun
Angry villagers from Achakpa community, Agan, in Makurdi LGA of Benue State on Saturday blocked the Makurdi–Abuja highway to protest the killing of their loved ones by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.
A report by Daily Post said the villagers who were in their hundreds caused gridlock in the ever-busy road following a recent attack in the community.
It was gathered that early Saturday, a man, identified as Tor Felafa, his son, and one Francis Kulegwa, a senior choir master of Daudu Mission in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi were killed on the outskirts of Achakpa community along the North Bank–Lafia road.
The suspected armed herdsmen also abducted several others, while many narrowly escaped, with some persons still missing.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to Daily Post, the victims were ambushed while working on their farms behind the village, a tactic the assailants allegedly used after closely monitoring farming activities in the area.
The protesters, who blocked the Garba–Atson–Abagena IDP camp axis of the highway, carried placards and tree branches, chanting solidarity songs and vowing not to vacate the road until justice is served.
Benue has long been a flashpoint in clashes between farmers and herders, often resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement.
Local leaders have consistently appealed for stronger intervention to secure rural communities, many of which remain vulnerable to armed attacks.
As of press time, neither the Benue State Government nor the Benue State Police Command had issued an official statement.
