From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Youths in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday, took to the streets to protest the recent killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area and other communities in the state.
The protesters, dressed in black attire, carried banners, leaves and placards, and marched through the streets, chanting “Stop Benue killings! Stop Benue killings”, “Enough of Benue Killings” ” We are tired broken and helpless” ” the number of deaths is countless,we don’t know where they will strike next.”
They also blocked the major roads at Wurukum roundabout, connecting routes to Abuja, Gboko, Enugu and Makurdi town, causing commuters to be stranded for hours.
The protest was peaceful, but security personnel were heavily deployed to the area.
Protesters, who expressed anger about the persistent killings in the state and government’s inaction in addressing the security challenges, said their action followed the attack on Yelewata and Saidu communities in Guma Local Government Area where about 200 persons were allegedly massacred by suspected herdsmen on Saturday night.
One of the protesting leaders, who simply gave his name as Martin, called for immediate intervention from government to stop the killings and provide security for the people.
He also demanded that it takes concrete steps to protect the lives of citizens, particularly in rural communities.
The activist, who said the primary responsibility of government is to secure lives and property, wondered why their fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are being killed on a daily basis, while government is keeping silent, questioning the importance of such government.
He noted that during the protest, heavily armed security personnel were stationed at Wurukum roundabout, with Armoured Personnel Carriers deployed to maintain peace, questioning why such forces were not deployed against the perpetrators of the violence instead.
It was observed that while the protest was going on, tensions escalated when security agents suddenly moved to disperse the protesters, firing tear gas and shooting into the air.
Though nobody was killed, many people sustained injuries while trying to escape the effect of the tear gas.
The protest in Makurdi is part of the growing frustration and anger among the people of Benue State over the constant killings and government’s inaction.
The recent relocation of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, to Benue, the protesters argued also raised questions on the effectiveness of the military’s presence in the state.
They recalled that barely after the relocation, a deadly attack occurred in Yelwata, leaving scores dead.
The protesters, who sang sorrowful songs, questioned whether the recent relocation of the army chief was aimed at guiding the attackers or ending the insecurity.
They equally expressed concern that the military’s presence in the state has not been effective in preventing attacks and protecting civilians, and called on government to take concrete steps to address the security challenges and restore trust with the people.
They also urged it to implement effective security measures to prevent future attacks and protect civilians.
