Scores of determined youths took to the streets of Makurdi on Sunday, boldly defying a heavy security presence to protest the gruesome killings in Yelewata, Saidu, and several other communities in Benue State.
Dressed in black and waving placards, green leaves, and banners, the protesters began gathering as early as 7 a.m. at the main gate of Moses Orshio University (formerly Benue State University), sending a strong message of defiance and frustration over ongoing violence in the state.
Their route led them to the heavily guarded Wurukum Roundabout — a strategic point in the state capital — where armoured personnel carriers, anti-riot police, and armed soldiers had been stationed in anticipation of unrest. Despite the intimidating show of force, the youths pressed on, converging around the iconic Food Basket statue while chanting, “Stop Benue killings! Stop Benue killings!”
The protest came in the wake of a harrowing overnight attack on Saturday in which suspected herdsmen reportedly killed over 100 residents in Yelewata and Saidu. The demonstrators said the protest was not just about mourning the dead but about demanding urgent action and justice from both state and federal authorities.
The march remained peaceful, but observers said the protesters’ resilience sent a powerful message – the youth of Benue are no longer willing to stay silent in the face of continuous bloodshed — not even in the shadow of armoured tanks and riot squads.
