Hundreds of young Nigerians marched through the capital of Benue State on Sunday, demanding immediate government intervention following a fresh wave of deadly violence in the region.
The demonstration was triggered by the killing of dozens in Yelwata, Guma LGA, during a night-time attack believed to be carried out by armed assailants. The incident added to an already dire situation in Benue, where rural communities have suffered repeated assaults in recent years.
Gathering at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, demonstrators accused federal authorities of ignoring their plight, despite repeated alerts and pleas for help. Many carried placards calling attention to the loss of lives and the growing number of internally displaced persons.
“We’ve written letters, sent messages, cried for help, and yet, we’ve been left alone,” said Brahms Ikuan, one of the lead protesters. “There’s a genocide happening, and the silence from those in power is deafening.”
He warned that without urgent intervention, the entire state risks being erased. Protesters also criticised what they described as a lack of meaningful action, even when credible intelligence about attackers’ movements was shared with authorities.
Gideon Inyom, another demonstrator, condemned the perceived weakening of the state’s anti-open grazing legislation, arguing that it had granted herders free access to vulnerable communities. “We are not asking for too much—just the right to live and farm in peace,” he said.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, told reporters that the Inspector General of Police had taken over command of security operations in the state and had already deployed specialised forces.
“We’re actively disrupting their operations,” said Ifeanyi. “We’ve got tactical teams on the ground, even in the bushes of Yelwata, and we have the support of Governor Alia to see this through.”
He urged residents to cooperate with the new security teams, assuring them that efforts were underway to restore peace.
Despite the police presence and flyovers by a military helicopter, the atmosphere remained tense. Protesters refused to allow Deputy Governor Dr Sam Ode to address them, citing frustration with what they called token gestures from political leaders.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, the situation in Benue State is being viewed as a stark example of the challenges facing rural communities caught between government inaction and persistent violent threats.
