In Benue State, residents of Gwer West Local Government Area demonstrated by barricading the Makurdi-Naka road on Tuesday evening to protest against the spate of killings in the region.
The protest was triggered by the deaths of 26 individuals in three communities within the council area, allegedly at the hands of suspected herdsmen.
Reports confirmed by Henry Agba, the Local Government Area Chairman, revealed that the attacks, carried out from Saturday to Monday, resulted in the loss of 26 lives, including six members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards.
Protesters, carrying assorted placards, pointed fingers at the state government for its perceived failure in executing the Anti-Open Grazing Law effectively.
It should be noted that on March 6, 2024, Deputy Governor Sam Ode declared the full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law after the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum given to armed herders and those openly grazing in the state to vacate.
The demonstrators appealed to both federal and state authorities to safeguard the populace from the menace posed by armed herders.
Among the protesters was Francis Ayagah, a former chairman of the local government in Gwer West, who implored the Federal Government to prioritize the safety of the citizens.
Ayagah mentioned that the recent surge in insecurity within the area stemmed from the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia’s alleged failure to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State, which seemingly allowed herders to freely traverse with their livestock and weapons, used in menacing the community.
Titus Numzua, another demonstrator from Seghev/Yegev Council Ward, where the attacks took place, emphasized the exacerbation of the security situation due to the influx of herders, urging government intervention to restore peace.
Numzua also urged the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of citizens and implored the state governor to provide logistical support to security agencies.
Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West Senatorial District, decried the orchestrated attacks on his constituents and demanded justice for the victims.
Similarly, Asema Achado, the legislator representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, condemned the killings and urged the state government to enforce laws prohibiting open grazing and ensure that the culprits face legal consequences.