Makurdi, Benue State | June 15, 2025
Tension flared in Benue State on Saturday as police operatives fired teargas to disperse protesters who had taken to the streets to condemn the recent killings in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area.
The demonstrators, mostly youths and women from the affected area, had blocked portions of the Makurdi–Lafia highway, demanding justice and government intervention over what they described as the persistent slaughter of innocent residents by suspected herdsmen.
Eyewitnesses said the peaceful protest turned chaotic after security personnel attempted to clear the road, resulting in a standoff that led to the firing of teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
“We are tired of burying our people every week. All we asked for was justice and protection,” said one of the protesters, who identified herself as Victoria Aondofa.
Several demonstrators were reportedly injured in the ensuing stampede, with some taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. No fatalities were recorded.
The Benue State Police Command, in a statement, said the protest disrupted vehicular movement and posed a potential security threat, which necessitated “minimal force” to restore order. It assured the public that efforts were underway to investigate the Yelewata killings and bring the perpetrators to book.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for calm and urged residents to remain law-abiding while promising that the state government is engaging security agencies for urgent action.
Rights groups and civil society organisations have condemned the police response and renewed calls for enhanced security presence in volatile border communities of Benue State.
