Angry Benue youths on Sunday, 15 June, 2025 staged a protest and blocked the Abuja-Makurdi highway, expressing outrage over the continued killings in the state.
The demonstrators, dressed in black attires and carrying palm fronds and placards with various inscriptions, barricaded the ever-busy road, disrupting vehicular movement and demanding immediate action to end the bloodshed.
It was gathered that the protesters prevented vehicles from passing, causing gridlock and panic among commuters.
The protest comes barely 24 hours after suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed.
The brutal attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14 June, 2025, and is believed to have been perpetrated by suspected armed herdsmen, has reignited tensions across the state.
The Governor’s reaction, issued over a day after the incident via a Facebook post signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, has drawn widespread condemnation from residents, particularly among youth groups who deemed the response as “insensitive,” “delayed,” and lacking depth.
“You can build all the roads and skyscrapers you want, but if your people are being slaughtered with no protection, then it’s meaningless,” said Terna Avaan, a Makurdi resident. “The governor has one job, protect lives and property. On that count, he has failed us.”
Governor Alia’s statement read: “Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pain and grief caused by this vicious attack on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen. He has directed a multi-pronged response involving both local and federal authorities.”
The Benue State Government had earlier issued a warning against unlawful gatherings and confrontations, particularly by youths, in the wake of escalating tensions across affected communities.
Despite the appeal for calm, the youths said they feel abandoned and are demanding concrete security measures and justice for the victims of the attacks.
