Written by Okafor Joseph Afam | Editor, SpringnewsNG Media Limited | June 16, 2025

Tensions escalated in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Monday as a peaceful protest by hundreds of aggrieved youths turned chaotic following police intervention with teargas. The protesters had gathered to condemn the recurring mass killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, particularly the recent Yelewata massacre in Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed.

The demonstration, aimed at drawing national and international attention to the growing insecurity in Benue, took place at the Wurukum Roundabout. But what began as a peaceful march quickly deteriorated when law enforcement deployed crowd control tactics.

Protest Disrupted as Police Protect Deputy Governor

According to the Benue State Police Command, officers used teargas and water cannons after some demonstrators allegedly attempted to attack the Deputy Governor, who had arrived at the protest site to address the aggrieved youths.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, the crowd rejected attempts at dialogue and the situation spiraled when “disruptive elements hijacked the protest.”

“The Deputy Governor visited the protest ground in a show of solidarity, intending to address the concerns of the youth. Unfortunately, the crowd declined to be addressed,” the statement read.

“Soon, the protest was hijacked by disruptive elements who attempted to attack the Deputy Governor. Police officers swiftly intervened using non-lethal crowd control measures, including smoke and water cannons, to prevent harm and safely evacuate the Deputy Governor from the scene.”

The PPRO confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded during the operation.

Benue’s Security Crisis Deepens

The protest was sparked by outrage over continued herdsmen-led attacks across rural Benue communities, with the Yelewata killings being the most recent and deadliest. Residents and activists have long accused federal authorities of inaction, while demanding better protection for farming communities.

Human rights groups and community leaders have since called on the federal government and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to curb the menace of armed herdsmen in the state and across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

SpringnewsNG Media Limited will continue monitoring the situation as more details unfold.