Police: We prevented loss of lives, property during protest against killings in Benue

The Benue state police command says no lives were lost during the protest in Makurdi over renewed killings in some communities.

On Saturday, more than 100 people were killed in attacks by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA.

The killings, which came less than 48 hours after another attack left 25 people dead in Makurdi LGA, triggered unrest across the state capital.

On Sunday morning, protesters blocked major roads, including the federal highway linking Makurdi to Nasarawa and Abuja, demanding an end to the violence and justice for victims.

Videos on social media showed demonstrators chanting slogans, holding leaves, and confronting security personnel.

In a now-viral video, a man who identified himself as “Bishops” warned travellers to avoid Makurdi road, citing an outbreak of violence triggered by renewed attacks on farming communities in the state.

“We’re currently along Makurdi Road, and there’s a serious crisis unfolding. This is a warning to anyone of northern origin: please, do not use Makurdi Road. It’s terrible and extremely dangerous. Even the military is struggling to contain the situation,” he said.

He claimed Tiv youths were reacting to persistent killings by taking matters into their own hands.

“They’ve blocked the road, destroyed vehicles, and are warning commuters. People are stranded, trekking to Makurdi on foot because of the chaos,” he said.

“If the government cannot protect citizens, they should allow us to defend ourselves.”

A protester who spoke to TheCable said the unrest was triggered by “routine slaughter” of people in rural Benue, particularly the attack in Yelewata.

“Every day, we wake up to reports that someone has been eliminated. But what pushed people over the edge was what happened in Yelewata yesterday. Over 100 people were killed—slaughtered,” he said.

“The plan was to shut down the federal road… No cars in, no cars out. But by 5 am, armed security operatives had already taken over the bridge, so we regrouped at Wurukum Roundabout.”

He estimated over 800 people took part in the protest and blamed “government-backed thugs” for turning the demonstration violent.

“People were arrested, some were shot, others injured by cars. It was supposed to be peaceful. If a government cannot secure lives, it has failed… Protest is not a crime, it’s a civil duty. We’re only asking for what every human deserves — safety,” he said.

Responding to the situation, Udeme Edet, spokesperson of the Benue police command, told TheCable that the protest had been brought under control.

“The situation is calm; everyone has gone back to their normal duty. The police ensured that there were no loss of lives or properties,” she said.