Youths in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, stormed the streets on Sunday to protest the recent killings in Yelewata, Saidu, and other communities across the state.
The demonstrators, dressed in black and carrying banners, leaves, and placards, began their protest as early as 7 a.m. at the main gate of Moses Orshio University (formerly Benue State University) along Makurdi-Gboko Road.
Tensions rose as security forces, including stern-looking anti-riot police and armed soldiers, were deployed across key locations in the city. Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were positioned at the Wurukum Roundabout — a critical junction linking the northern and southern parts of the country.
The demonstrators converged on the Wurukum Roundabout, symbolically surrounding the Food Basket statue while chanting, “Stop Benue killings! Stop Benue killings!
The protest follows a deadly overnight attack on Saturday, in which over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata and Saidu communities.
One of the protesters, Mzamber Agatha, tearfully told The Nation that she lost her mother and five children in the massacre.
She urged the federal government to take decisive action to end the violence in the state.
