TheCable

Aggrieved villagers on Friday reportedly blocked the Markurdi-Lafia highway to protest the killing of three persons by suspected gunmen in Ortese village, Benue state.

Japhet Hungwa, acting chairman of Guma LGA in Benue, who spoke on the protest, said the residents took to the street to demonstrate against the continuous killing of residents in the community.

Hungwa said some assailants had invaded the village at night and killed three residents.

He said the villagers blocked the road, restricting the movement of vehicles and demanded an audience with the governor to express their grievances.

“Herdsmen attacked and killed three persons at Ortese and the whole village this morning blocked the highway to register their anger,” NAN quoted Hungwa as saying.

“They were initially insisting that no vehicle would pass unless all of them are killed, but they have now demanded to see the governor whom I am told is on his way.”

The chairman said the gunmen also invaded Daudu village and killed two residents while the protest was ongoing.

He added that the commandant of the 72 battalion, deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations and other security personnel mobilised to the location to call for calm.

When contacted, Sewuese Anene, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development, adding that the security operatives were on top of the situation.