Widespread tension enveloped parts of Benue State on Sunday as enraged youths took to the streets to protest the latest wave of violence and bloodshed sweeping through their communities.
The demonstrators, clad in black attire to mourn the dead, blocked the Abuja–Makurdi highway, one of the busiest roadways in the region, grinding vehicular movement to a halt and triggering hours-long traffic gridlock.
Armed with placards bearing emotional appeals such as “Enough of the Bloodshed”, “Our Lives Matter”, and “Stop the Killings Now”, the protesters demanded urgent government intervention to stem the rising tide of insecurity in the state.
The protest follows a gruesome attack in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area, which reportedly left over 200 people dead, according to local sources. The assault, suspected to have been carried out by armed herdsmen, occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Friday night, throwing the entire area into chaos.
Eyewitness accounts described the attack as an unprovoked massacre, with homes razed, families displaced, and victims hacked down in their sleep.
Authorities Yet to Confirm Death Toll
While local reports suggest that the death toll could exceed 200, official figures remain unconfirmed, as emergency responders and security operatives continue to recover bodies and assess the scale of destruction.
Sources confirmed that at least 16 individuals sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment in nearby health facilities.
Ambush on Security Forces Claims Lives
In response to a distress call from Yelewata, personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to the scene. However, their convoy reportedly came under heavy attack in Daudu, a community along the route to the massacre site.
The ambush tragically led to the deaths of two soldiers and one NSCDC officer, further deepening concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Public Outrage and Growing Insecurity
Sunday’s protest reflects the growing anger and frustration among residents of Benue State, who have long lamented the government’s failure to protect lives and property, particularly in communities vulnerable to attacks by suspected herdsmen.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, one of the youth leaders said:
“We cannot continue to live like this. Every week, we are burying our loved ones. The government must act now or we will have no choice but to defend ourselves.”
There has been no official statement yet from the Benue State Government or the Federal Government regarding the latest killings or the protest as of press time.
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