Olusegun Ariyo
Angry Benue youths on Sunday staged a protest and blocked the Abuja-Makurdi highway, expressing outrage over the continued killings in the state.
The demonstrators, dressed in black attire and carrying palm fronds and placards with various inscriptions, barricaded the ever-busy road, disrupting vehicular movement and demanding immediate action to end the bloodshed.
Urban Express NEWS Online reported that the protesters blocked vehicles from passing, resulting in gridlock and panic among commuters.
The protest comes barely 24 hours after suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed.
The Benue State Government had earlier issued a warning against unlawful gatherings and confrontations, particularly by youths, in the wake of escalating tensions across affected communities.
Despite the appeal for calm, the youths said they feel abandoned and are demanding concrete security measures and justice for the victims of the attacks.
