Benue Youths Protest Against APC, Remove Party Flags Over Killings and Tinubu’s Visit
Benue Youths Tear Down APC Flags, Accuse Tinubu of Campaigning Amid Mass Killings
By Springnewsng Media Limited | June 19, 2025
Youths in Benue State expressed anger and frustration on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, by pulling down All Progressives Congress (APC) flags during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state. The protest comes in the wake of recent mass killings in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.
President Tinubu had announced a change of plans, canceling a scheduled visit to Kaduna in favor of Benue, following widespread outrage over his earlier silence on the violent attacks that claimed the lives of dozens of residents and wiped out entire families.
Videos circulating online show hundreds of aggrieved youths removing APC flags and chanting protest slogans such as “We no go gree” and “No more APC flags.” Some demonstrators accused the APC-led federal government of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, alleging that the President’s visit was a thinly veiled campaign effort ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than a genuine show of solidarity.
In one video, loud sounds resembling gunshots caused panic among bystanders, while another clip showed protesters fleeing amid reports of teargas being deployed. A man filming the scene claimed that security operatives had fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Earlier the same day, the paramount traditional ruler of the Tiv people, Tor Tiv His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the state. Speaking directly to President Tinubu, the monarch dismissed narratives framing the crisis as mere herder-farmer clashes.
“What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits,” Ayatse said. “This has been happening for decades and is getting worse every year. Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment. This is not about learning to live with your neighbours; this is war.”
The traditional ruler called for decisive federal action to halt the killings and protect the lives and lands of Benue citizens.
